North Putnam among participants in 'Dancing with the Stars' at Russellville

RUSSELLVILLE -- The Russellville Community Center, in association with North Putnam Schools, Parke and Montgomery counties, will be presenting this year's "Tri-County Dancing with the Stars" on Saturday, Aug. 22 in Russellville.

The event, to be preceded by a dinner and followed by an auction, will feature five sets of dancers who hail entirely from the North Putnam School Corporation.

Dancing duos highlighting the evening will be Kirsten Mindiola and Bucky Kramer; Alyssa Chew and Jason Chew; Ashley Moeller and Collen McCartt; Kirstin Mindiola and Darrin Hazlett; Ashley Moeller and David Moeller.

The results will be based on ticket sales, fundraising and dancing ability.

Tickets are available for pre-order and will be available at the door, but reservations are recommended as seating is limited. Ticket prices of $30 per person (dinner and dancing) or $15 (dancing only) are available. Students who present a student-ID can purchase tickets for $15.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by dinner at 6:30 and dancing at 7 p.m.

Reservations of six-person tables will receive a discount of $30, making the overall ticket price $150 for the group.

An auction, set to immediately follow the show, will include a Pacers basketball signed by coach Frank Vogel, a "Colts donation," a two-night stay for up to six at Turkey Run's Wilkins Mill Guesthouse and a stay for two at the Old Jail with wine tasting included.

All attendants are invited to stay for the auction. Anyone interested in said-items, or for a detailed list of all auction items, should contact Melody Fulwider at 765-376-1132. Those looking to reserve tickets may contact Fulwider, as well.

Funds raised at this year's Dancing with the Stars will benefit the community center as it looks to purchase a new (and much-needed) furnace ahead of winter.

Limping along with two boiler systems (each dated from the mid-20th century), the center has seen seasonal bills ranging up to $25,000.

Furthermore, one of the two existing boilers has quit working and now serves as a source of parts for the still-operating unit. Up to 100 gallons of fuel may be used on a single day in winter.

And since the Russellville Community Center is a not-for-profit organization, collecting the funds necessary for such a large purchase can be difficult, at best.

Persons may contact Fulwider at 765-376-1132 to make a reservation.