Dancing with Madison Stars brought an extra glow to Madison recently for its Madison-Morgan Boys & Girls Club youth. The fundraiser in its seventh year did not disappoint those in attendance with spectacular dance performances.

Madison-Morgan Boys & Girls Club youth kicked off the evening with a dance number to the tunes of Bruno Mars and Michael Jackson. By the end of their routine, the audience was up on their feet clapping in sync with the youth.

“Watching our Club youth share their talents at Dancing with the Madison Stars was a highlight for me,” Bob Mackey, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia CEO & President shared. “Our youth worked so hard on their dance routine and to see their faces light up with joy as they performed reminded me why we do what we do. All of our efforts are to ensure our youth succeed and continue to go after their dreams. We are so thankful for the community continuing to support our youth in Morgan County!”

Ar’Mond Wright, MMBGC Youth of the Year, spoke about his Club experience and his excitement for the night ahead.

“We’re all stars here tonight,” he shared. “We’re celebrating the work we do together, and I can’t tell you enough how thankful I am for your support of my Club. I don’t know where I would be without mentors like Bob Mackey and Karen Robertson (MMBGC Senior Executive Club Director).”

Ending his speech with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr., the dance competition began.

There was a mixture of dance types and talent in the room. From Avery Lauderdale and Jeny Williams Salt n’ Peppa spin to Dr. Allison Woodard and Marcus Wyatt’s classic take on hip hop – it was a night to remember.

Prior to intermission, Karen Robertson and Bob Mackey announced MMBGC volunteer Penny Foote as the recipient for the Babs Johnston Special Honor Award for her hard work and dedication to the Club.

During the intermission, audience members had the opportunity to place their votes for their favorite dance team and participate in the Fund the Future initiative.

Each year the cost continues to rise as we serve new members. In 2019 we are looking to serve over 100 members. The community showed up in a huge way that will help support our membership in 2019.

After intermission, the dance competition was back on and heating up with each number.

When the dancing was complete there could only be one winner for both categories of Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice. While votes were being tallied and the judges were deliberating, the audience met on the dance floor for open dancing to songs like the Cupid Shuffle to the Cha-Cha.

Judge’s Choice was awarded to Fetch House Trio for their amazingly well choregraphed ‘Thriller’ dance. People’s Choice was awarded to Maddox & Mary Hollis Pugmire, who raised $12,000 for the youth from votes casted for their team.

People’s Choice - Maddox & Mary Hollis Pugmire

RAISED $12,000 FOR THE YOUTH

FETCH HOUSE TRIO - JUDGE’S CHOICE

THANK YOU DANCERS!

“There’s truly something special about Morgan County,” Karen Robertson, said. “This community constantly rallies behind our youth and because of that support we are able to continually change lives. A highlight moment for me was watching our Youth of the Year Ar’Mond Wright share his story with our audience. I was so proud of him and was so moved as I watched his mother and grandmother emotionally look onward as he easily captivated the room with his honesty. Ar’Mond shared his vision of how he wants to help people younger than him because of what the Club has done for him. I’m so delighted for his next chapter, that Madison got to hear this young man share his dreams and they helped continue to fund his future and other youths at Dancing with the Madison Stars.”

Robertson shared how Club staff “like to say that ‘Great Futures Start Together’ because this work is a partnership.”

“Thank you Morgan County for giving to our youth and this wonderful cause of ensuring every child succeeds,” she said.

For more information about Madison-Morgan Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.comor call 706-342-1117.