Dare to Dance 2021 took place at the Chattanooga Convention Center and 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.
It was a record breaking year for the organization, after all expenses are paid the 2021 Dare to Dance event raised over $497,000 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.
Hosted by Mo and Styckman from US-101, the event kicked off with a special dance performance by Kampbell the Kidney, the foundation’s mascot, and Rusty the Red Wolf the mascot of the Presenting Sponsor The Chattanooga Red Wolves. Former Dare to Dance contestant Arnold Ruelas helped monitor the online and in-person votes all evening and former Dare to Dance contestant Kyle Miller checked in with dancers backstage before they hit the dance floor. Scores and words of praise were given by the judging panel featuring: 2020 Dare to Dance People’s Choice Champion Matt Brock; 2019 Dare to Dance People’s Choice Champion C. Mark Warren; and dance professional Jessie Southerland.
Dare to Dance 2021 Trophy Winners:
Dare to Dance Grand Champions: Kacy Womack and Kyle Barels
2nd Place: Dr. Nico Domingo and Emilie Cole
3rd Place: Dr. Cara Hennings and Joel Thomas
Dare to Dance People’s Choice Champions: Esther Helton and Nelson Rodriguez
2nd Place: Allison Davis and Ryan Roberts
3rd Place: Payton Pitts and Charles Nance
2021 Kidney Hero Award, for raising over $110,00- Bonnie Hensley
2021 Kidney Hero Award, for raising over $116,000- Esther Helton
Dancer's Choice Award for favorite performance as selected by the cast of dancers: Kacy Womack and Kyle Barels
Kampbell the Kidney Awards for positivity and sportsmanship: James Walker and Dr. Jason Liggins
Dr. Jackson and Milli Yium Awards for outstanding service to kidney patients: Esther Helton and Bonnie Hensley
Perfect 10 Awards:
Dr. Nico Domingo and Emilie Cole
Meg Shuptrine and Antonio McMath
Standing Ovation Awards:
Allison Davis and Ryan Roberts
Tobe Taylor and Candace Covington
OMG Awards for most memorable performances:
Marie Lawrence and Casey Haywood
Andy Felker and Shannon Herrmann
The Spotlight Corporate Award: Shuptrine’s Gallery
Raising the Bar Corporate Award: UT Erlanger Urology
Shining Star Corporate Award: Matt Mucciolo with RE/MAX Properties
Dream Team Award: Bonnie Hensley’s Blue Crew (Angie Ambrosetti, Amber James, Kathie Penland, Michelle Russell, Gina Sakich, Belinda Winslett)
Presenting Sponsor Award: Chattanooga Red Wolves Soccer Club
For more information on how to get involved with Dare to Dance 2022 email kirbee@kidneyfoundation.com