PCYDC: County makes dancing event success

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Putnam County Youth Development Commission we wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Putnam County community for the ongoing support of our ninth annual “Dancing with the Putnam County Stars.”

Words cannot begin to express how humbled we are to live in such an exceptional community that embraces our mission of serving the children and youth of Putnam County. This event continues to bring together everyone to have fun, highlight the areas outstanding talent, while raising money for our most precious assets, the youth of Putnam County.

We are grateful to the Putnam County Fair Board for their generosity and willingness to support hosting our philanthropic event for the second straight year.

In addition to a night filled with the most exciting heart-pounding competition everyone has come to expect, we raised $64,652.11, and once expenses from staging are finalized, proceeds should total over $37,000.

Thank you, Putnam County. this is absolutely amazing.

To our special volunteers whose work and selflessness means so much: Megan Wager, Megan Ward, Justin Long, Sam Richardson, Cami Hopper, Brien, Emmett and Emma Holsapple, Zach and Amber Rhine, Josh Gibson, Penny Long, Dan, Paula, Sarah, Grace and Katie Fry, Joe, Jamie, Brooke and Noah Mourey, Bill Merkel, Bob and Linda Merkel, Trisha Guinn, Anna Harmless, Chris Torrence, Cory Robinson and Tom Sutherlin.

Thanks to our judges, Mike Goss, Eddie Felling and former Mayor Sue Murray; co-host Jeff Rich, DJ Mike Welch and videographer Zane Earles, along with JD Sims. We appreciate the partnership with Amber Bowers Photography and the amazing pictures she captures, and to Clay Carter and DePauw Media Services for their ongoing support and contributions of equipment and tech support.

Jenny Sullivan and the staff of Eitel’s and Company Florist, and the beautiful flowers and designs they created were beyond anyone’s imagination, they were absolutely spectacular. Also to Karen Martoglio for her program design and Wilson Formal Wear.

We must not forget to thank Judges Matt Headley and Denny Bridges for their time in driving the club golf carts (donated by Detro Trailers).

Our dancing instructors continue to amaze everyone how in just a few short weeks they transform our stars into accomplished and competitive dancers. We begin with thanking Tara Gardner of Dance Workshop, without her ongoing dedication and commitment to ensure the opening group number and individual routines were entertaining and competitive, this event would not be possible.

Instructors include Lita and Brad Sandy, Logan Kuhne, Ashley Clute, Jessyca South, Sarah Bond, Hope Scanland, Josh Bain, Katie Wallace, Woodie Hutcheson, Mike Balka and Isaiah Mattas.

To our 2017 Putnam County Stars, your sacrifice and competitive nature in making this event a night to remember will never be forgotten, the performances were absolutely entertaining and inspirational — Heather Taylor, Linda Clute, Trudy Selvia, Mitch Myers, Tyler Wade, Brian Hayden, Ed Wilson, Heath Pruitt, Dawn Tucker, Kedric Siddons, Julie Thompson and Amber Greene.

The silent auction was another great success thanks to Penny Long and to you Rebecca Howard for your willingness to help, and of course all the wonderful donations: Logan Kuhne, NAPA Store, DePauw University, York Automotive Auto Body, Don Julio Mexican, Tap House 24, Art Twist Painting, Moore’s Bar, The Red Raccoon, Cloverdale Schools, Trudy Selvia, Children’s Museum, Ruth Myers, Shannon Lutes/LulaRoe, Purdue University-Nick O’Malley, Hampton Inn-Lafayette, Ashton Query-Norwex, Endeavor, Indianapolis Colts, Roachdale Christian Church, Kings Island, Putnam Inn, CastleMakers, Homewood Suites-Lafayette, Purdue University Football, Anthony’s Pizza, Super Car Wash, Papa John’s, Monical’s, Double Decker, Walmart Store, Buffalo Wild Wings, Arby’s, Kroger, Teacher’s Credit Union, Victory Field, Brad Tucker State Farm Insurance, Clover Meadows Golf, Myers Market, Wasser Brewing Co., The Prindle Institute, Completely Nuts & Candies, Ashley Square Cinema, South Putnam Schools, Twin Bridges Golf, Deer Creek Golf, Tomahawk Golf, McDonald’s, Windy Hill Golf, Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari, All-American Karate Academy, Ron and Mary Anne Birt, Auto Zone, Indianapolis Indians, Eli’s Books-DePauw University, 3 Fat Labs Bed and Breakfast, Stephanie Feltner-Scentsy, Hendershot Service, Mason Jewelers, Indonesian Interiors, Almost Home, Starbucks, North Putnam Schools, Rocky Top Wine Trail, DePauw University Fitness Center, DePauw Inn, Kelly McMahon-Younique, Mike Goss Attorney-at-Law and Amber Greene.

We continue to appreciate the many families that support our open dress rehearsal with their contributions of non-perishable canned food items: Six 30-gallon containers were shared with the Putnam County Food Pantry. A big shout out to Logan Kuhne and all his math classes at Greencastle High School for their participation in the food drive ­— your efforts are genuinely appreciated.

The evening was a huge success and because of you, Putnam County. The following programs and events will continue at no cost to Putnam County families: CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Program, Putnam County Teen Court, Choices, Coats for Kids and National Night Out.

Annually, the PCYDC touches the lives of more than 3,500 children. Thank you again, we are blessed.

We hope to see you next year as we present our 10th year of Dancing with the PC Stars, you won’t want to miss it.

Josh Richardson, President

Putnam County Youth Development Commission