Dancing With the Stars a Gala Benefit for ElderHouse

Norwalk’s ElderHouse announces their first benefit gala, “Dancing with the Stars.”

ElderHouse has partnered with the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, to present this exciting dance competition. Modeled after the popular television series, the Dancing With the Stars gala event will be emceed by TV and radio personality, David Smith. 

The event will take place at the Inn at Longshore in Westport and will include a live auction. Donors and supporters will be able to cast votes at the event, as well as contribute online, for the dancers of their choice. All funds raised will support the initiatives of ElderHouse.

Since late October 2013, seven local business leaders have been training with professional dancers from the Fred Astaire Studio, located in Norwalk, to prepare for their dance performances at the March Gala event. Dancers have been honing their talents to ensure that the dance competition is creative and lively. 

The event is being sponsored by The Hour Publishing Company, Benefit Planning Services and Fairfield County Bank.

Tickets for the event are available for sale and can be purchased through the ElderHouse website at www.elderhouse.com or by calling 203-847-1998.

Three local dance luminaries will judge the event, including Melodie Libonati, of the Performing Arts Conservatory of New Canaan; Christine Titus, of the Conservatory of Dance, Wilton; and Walter Schalk , founder of the Walter Schalk School of Dance. 

Star dancers include seven local business leaders:  Cindi Bigelow, President of Bigelow Tea of Norwalk; Gina Zangrillo, President of the Darien 
Sport Shop, Darien; Pietro Scotti, Owner of Da Pietro, Westport ; Gus Pappajohn, Owner of A. Pappajohn Company, Norwalk; Kathy Sirico, Owner- Gregg and Tony’s Salon, Westport; 
Ruthann Walsh, Director of Corporate Citizenship, Pepperidge Farm, Norwalk; and Peter Tauck, Co-Owner, Tauck Inc., Norwalk

During the live dance competition, Star Dancers will be competing for a number of awards, including Best Male Dancer and Best Female Dancer. Event attendees will vote for their favorite dancer, selecting the People’s Choice Award. A Best Friend to ElderHouse will be awarded to the Star dancer who raises the most through on-line pledges.

ElderHouse is a not-for-profit adult day center, serving seniors in Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Weston, Westport and Wilton. ElderHouse has been a part of the Fairfield County senior community for more than 35 years, helping older adults to remain living in their own homes, and delivering peace of mind to caregivers.

ElderHouse is a safe, active and caring place where seniors can spend their days involved in activities, returning home to their families in the evening. Older adults benefit from active engagement, health monitoring and individualized care. Caregivers benefit from reliable, affordable, high-quality services for their loved one. The result is better health and wellbeing for families in our communities.

All proceeds from the event will support the care and services ElderHouse provides to older adults and their family caregivers.