Stars Danced the Night Away to Benefit Children’s Hospital of Richmond

They could have danced all night and they did! Local Richmond personalities paired with professional dancers gave an impressive show during the first-ever “Dancing with the Richmond Stars” on March 18. Presented by the MCVH Auxiliary of the VCU Health System and the Children’s Hospital Foundation to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Richmond, the dance competition was modeled after the television hit, "Dancing with the Stars."

More than 500 audience members filled the VCU Singleton Center to capacity and watched the stars dance tangos, rumbas and cha-chas. The stars trained long and hard under the direction of Eleanor Robertson at Rigby’s Jig Dance Studio, who provided dance instruction, training space and professional dance partners.

Emceed by NBC12 Meteorologist Andrew Freiden, the competition was judged by Jeannie Boiseneau, Jessica Morgan and Jerry Williams. While all the dancers received kudos and awards, the top honor went to actress Mary Horton.

MCV Hospitals Auxiliary members Karen Shudtz and Charlotte Roberts co-chaired the Dancing with the Richmond Stars committee.

 “It was a fabulous evening, full of really great dancing,” said Roberts. “On behalf of the auxiliary and Children’s Hospital Foundation, I’d like to thank all the dancers, our sponsors and everyone who came to the show. What a wonderful night of entertainment for such a good cause. We’re already looking forward to next year!”

The competition and after-party netted more than $60,000 for the Children’s Hospital of Richmond.

The line-up of the dancing stars included:

Judy Collins, professor emeritus, VCU Schools of Nursing and Medicine, who won the Most Colorful award

Dick Fowlkes, proprietor, Peter-Blair Men’s Clothing, who won the Best Costume award

Jan Guarino, actress, who won the Most Amazing Move award

Mary Horton, actress, who won the Most Graceful award and the Grand Prize.

Sharon Larkins-Pederson, community volunteer, who won the Most Entertaining award

Gail Letts, CEO and president, Central Virginia Region, SunTrust Banks Inc., who won the Most Stylish award

Lawrence “The Law” Lewis, Richmond Raiders, who won the Fanciest Footwork award

Russ Palmore, partner, Troutman Sanders LLP, who won the Most Athletic award

Heather Sullivan, co-anchor, NBC12 News Today, who won the Most Spirited award

Dr. Dick Wenzel, physician, VCU Medical Center, who won the Most Dramatic award

Dancing with the Richmond Stars was made possible by presenting sponsor, W. Baxter Perkinson Jr., DDS and Associates, Ltd. Our sponsors also include: C and C Electrical Service Inc., Communication Specialists Inc., MCV Foundation, Troutman Sanders LLP, D & H Construction Services Inc., Johnny on the Spot Services, Johnson Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle Americas Inc., Gilbane Building Co., Hospital Hospitality House, Neighbor Care Pharmacy, SunTrust Bank, Transfield Services and Whole Foods Market.