CRESTVIEW — Covenant Hospice supporters can step back to the Roaring Twenties and the "Great Gatsby" era Oct. 3 during the 9th Annual Blue Jean Ball.
Organizers of this year’s “party with a purpose” promise “a night full of 1920s glitz and glam, with an array of pleasures for all the senses including:
•An upscale sit-down dinner
•Live entertainment including the Northwest Florida State College Soundsations show choir
•Free casino games
•A silent auction
•A drawing for a half-carat diamond and white gold pendant from Lewis Diamond Gallery
•A dance competition organized by the Crestview Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Four members of the business, faith, health and performing arts communities (see sidebar) have volunteered to learn new dance steps with Fred Astaire professionals. Supporters buy votes for their favorite dancer.
Tickets are $60 per person and include a sit-down dinner and live entertainment.
Proceeds benefit Covenant Hospice, a nonprofit that provides end-of-live care and support for terminally ill residents' loved ones.
CRESTVIEW'S CELEBRITY DANCERS
Alison Broxson, Shoal Creek Rehabilitation director of admissions
Dancing with: “The dashing and brave” David Colón
Moves to watch for: "We will be doing (the) waltz. God help me! Watch for spins and lifts."
Previous dance experience: "None. I have to practice walking!"
Reason for performing: "I want to support Covenant Hospice and the awesome services they provide. They are wonderful. And I want to give back to the community."
Christie Cadenhead, Community Bank assistant vice president:
Dancing with: “The fabulous” David Colón
Moves to watch for: "The Salsa, so be looking for lots of spins and shakes"
Previous dance experience: "None. I have never danced before in my life. I’m nervous."
Reason for performing: "I have been a volunteer on this event with Covenant Hospice for four years. Their mission is just so important to me. Taking care of people in the last stages of their life is a blessing. If I need to dance and do some spins and shakes on stage to get people to donate to a cause like this, then I’ll do it."
Ryan Mabry, Pearl Mabry School of Music founder and instructor
Dancing with: “The sassy” Hannah Teal
Moves to watch for: "We’re doing the foxtrot. We’ll be sultry!"
Previous dance experience: "I took ballroom for a little while in college."
Reason for performing: "To raise money for one of the greatest organizations out there."
The Rev. Michael Precht, First United Methodist Church of Crestview senior pastor
Dancing with: “The patient and visionary” Hannah Teal
Moves to watch for: "The audience should really be holding their breath for the pass-through halfway through the song"
Previous dance experience: "Nothing nearly as formal as this. My wife, Jennifer, and I enjoy going to a reception at a wedding and getting out on the dance floor."
Reason for performing: "As a preacher, performing in public is not a big deal. That was not too daunting. I have seen firsthand the benefit of Covenant Hospice and blessings they have given people. If I have a chance to support their work and help people become aware of their work, I’ll gladly take it. I was very honored to be asked to do it."
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: 9th Annual Blue Jean Ball: “A Great Gatsby Soirée”
WHEN: 6 p.m. Oct. 3
WHERE: Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive
COST: $60 per person; proceeds benefit Covenant Hospice
NOTES: Annual fundraiser includes “upscale dining selections, libations, swanky entertainment and your favorite casino games," a media release states. Votes for celebrity dancers are $1 each.
Visit www.eventsatcovenant.org/BlueJeanBall or contact Rachel Mayew, 682-3628, to purchase tickets, vote for celebrity dancers or provide sponsorships.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 4 Crestview dancers to perform during Covenant Hospice benefit