Dare to Dance 2020 took place at the Chattanooga Convention Center. It looked slightly different this year with the capacity inside the ballroom being limited due to COVID-19 safety precautions.
Dare to Dance Diamond and Platinum sponsors were in attendance along with family of the dancing cast for a sparkling evening of philanthropy. For the first time ever, Dare to Dance was broadcast virtually with over 300 live viewers from all over the country.
Dare to Dance is the Chattanooga Kidney Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event based on the popular ABC television show Dancing with the Stars. Each year the organization along with the cast of dancers aim to raise the most funds for local community members that are living in the end stages of renal disease or who have received a kidney transplant.
Hosted by Kelsey Chastain of Waterhouse Public Relations and Kyle Miller of Kyle House Fitness the event kicked off with special recorded dance performances by Kampbell the Kidney, the foundation’s mascot, and Dance Lab. Former Dare to Dance contestant Arnold Ruelas helped monitor the online and in-person votes all evening. Scores and words of praise were given by the judging panel featuring: 2019 Dare to Dance Grand Champion Dr. Rita Shridharani; 2019 Dare to Dance People’s Choice Champion C. Mark Warren; and dance professional and choreographer Candace Covington. The evening finished with a special recorded performance by Scenic City Dance.
Even in the most trying of times, the 2020 Dare to Dance cast raised over $332,000 for area kidney patients. Since the Chattanooga Kidney Foundation is a local non-profit, not part of a large national organization, 100 percent of funds will remain local for use in the Chattanooga and North Georgia area.
Dare to Dance 2020 Trophy Winners:
Dare to Dance Grand Champions: Rachel Mucciolo and Kyle Barels
2nd Place: Curtis Fairbanks and Stacey Perkinson
3rd Place: Marci Waldorf and Denny Lennon
Dare to Dance People’s Choice Champions: Matt Brock and Amanda Plecas
2nd Place: Lauren Baird and Antonio McMath
3rd Place: Dr. Ed Henson and Shannon Herrmann
Dancer's Choice Award for favorite performance as selected by the cast of dancers: Justin Yoshida and Emilie Cole
Kampbell the Kidney Awards for positivity and sportsmanship: Marci Waldorf and Nicole Griffin
Dr. Jackson and Milli Yium Awards for outstanding service to kidney patients: Jessica Craig and Brittany Shaw
Perfect 10 Awards:
Amy Walters and Charles Nance
Brittany Godsey and Ryan Roberts
Standing Ovation Awards:
Chuy Esquivel and Ally Ramos
Rachel Mucciolo and Kyle Barels
OMG Awards for most memorable performances:
Matt Brock and Amanda Plecas
Amy Walters and Charles Nance
The Spotlight Corporate Award: Warren & Griffin
Raising the Bar Corporate Award: Gold Bond
Shining Star Corporate Award: Hair Benders Internationale