Mayor Stacey Parker, from Houston, took home the title of Grand Champion by raising over $21,000. Chanda Cossit, of Tupelo came in second with over $13,000 and Oxford’s Marti Stark raised over $12,000 on that evening to come in third. Since the event, Stark has continued to have donations made in her honor bringing her total to $13,421.
Celebrity judges awarded the first place award to Keegan Foxx of WTVA in Tupelo. Second place in the judges’ choice category went to Deborah Tierce of Tupelo and Melinda Marsalis of Ripley came in third.
"We just couldn’t be happier with the way this event has evolved,” said Evie Boyd, Director of Marketing & Special Events. "We can’t thank the celebrities and sponsors enough for all that they do to make this event so successful.”
The 2011 Celebrity Dancers were: Chanda Cossitt, Ronnie Bell, Lynn Weeks, Keegan Foxx , Deborah Tierce , and Dr. Noel Hunt – all of Tupelo; Dr. Charles Garrett of New Albany; Marti Stark of Oxford; Mayor Stacey Parker of Houston; and Melinda Marsalis of Ripley.
A stand out performance of the evening was provided by the Boys & Girls Club Ballroom Dance Team. The group is made up of youth who have studied ballroom dance at The Dance Studio and showcase the skills which they have learned on that evening. The team received a standing ovation from the crowd following their performance.
Over 750 guests at the gala event enjoyed music provided by The ICC Alumni Jazz Band led by Cass Patrick. An additional 250 attendees came to watch the evening’s performances. Dinner was provided by The Link Centre’s Culinary Arts program.
"This event is truly amazing and it is all made possible by volunteers who work to turn everything from a dream into a reality. We look forward to Dance Like The Stars and the livelihood which it brings to our organization for many years to come,” stated Boyd.