Friday, March 29, 2024–9:06 a.m.
-News Release-
A variety of familiar faces will take the stage in the Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge, presented by Trinity Motorcar Co. on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 7 p.m. at Rome City Auditorium. All proceeds raised by this event will benefit the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia.
“We hope you will save the date and make plans to join us for a great evening of entertainment,” said Kimberly King, executive director of the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia. “I am excited about this year’s lineup and I know you will be, too!”
Modeled after the popular reality TV show “Dancing With the Stars,” the Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge will feature performances by 10 celebrity teams, with styles ranging from hip hop to ballroom and everything in between:
- Bonny Askew, a former Rome City Commissioner who retired from International Paper, dancing with his daughter, Morgan Askew-Samuels of the Polk County Public Defender’s Office, with choreography assistance from Kathy Baird of Baird Ballet
- Dr. Bennett Brock of Harbin Clinic dancing with Tara Ogle of The Dance Centre and Harbin Clinic
- Dr. John Cowan of AdventHealth Redmond dancing with Dicie Waters of The Dance Centre
- Sherri Foster of Extended Stay America and retired from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), dancing with JoAnna Parker of The Dance Centre and Elm Street Elementary School
- Sarah Huffman of the City of Rome dancing with Caleigh Schroeder of Schroeder’s New Deli
- Shaylan Johnson of Blooming Oak Photography and the NWGA Minority Business Association dancing with Russell Evans of The UPS Store
- Dr. Rebecca Lapham Yaun of Lieberman Family Chiropractic dancing with Stevanie Bell of Rome Civic Ballet and the Bartow County School System
- Jeff Sherwin of Sweet Pickles Cafe dancing with Hannah Camacho of The Dance Centre and Baird Ballet
- Amber Taylor of Taylor & Co. Realty Group, Keller Williams, dancing with her sister-in-law, Lee Morris, a stay-at-home mom and freelance choreographer
- Dr. Dawn Williams of Coosa High School dancing with Nicky Mann of Scott Logistics and Woodmann Creations
Teams compete for the Judges’ Choice Award, to be determined by a panel of judges, and the People’s Choice Award, which is determined by community support in the form of funds donated. An online voting website will be launched in May.
“The Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia provides critical services to five counties in our region,” said Ghee Wilson, president of the Board of Directors. “Unfortunately, as is the case with many non-profit organizations, our grant funding has been cut continuously over the past several years, while the SAC team has seen a staggering 45% increase in services since 2020. By simply attending this event, you are making a contribution to a very worthwhile cause and helping us raise awareness in our community. Plus, I guarantee that you will love the show!”
The Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge, which will be celebrating its 11th show, has raised more than $1 million for the Sexual Assault Center since 2011.
“We are truly grateful for every person who plays a critical role in supporting the coordination of our vital fundraiser,” said King. “The community’s investment in supporting survivors and our community-wide prevention education means everything to our team.”
A very limited number of general admission tickets (less than 200) will go on sale July 1, but the best way to guarantee yourself a seat in the audience is by sponsoring the event. For more information, please email [email protected].
To keep up with the latest information, follow Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge on Facebook.
