​Kincardine Dancing With the Stars raises about $30,000 for local Big Brothers and Big Sisters

The Kincardine Pavilion was rocking, Saturday night, with high-energy performances by the seven couples competing in the sixth annual Dancing With the Stars.

Taking the win, were celebrity dancer James Buchanan and seasoned dancer Brenda Ball of Goderich, while in second, were celebrity dancer Jared Petrie and seasoned dancer Karen Yun of Kincardine, and in third, were celebrity dancer Jennifer White and seasoned dancer Basil McCarthy, also of Kincardine.

However, the real winners were the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Bruce North Huron who raised about $30,000 from this event which, once again, saw a sold-out crowd, plus many who tuned in virtually.

Those attending in person enjoyed a delicious barbecued brisket dinner, served by Bar Down.

MCs Scott Miller and Denise Lockie, both of Wingham, then welcomed everyone at the pavilion and on-line, and kept things moving along.

Judging the event, were Carole Weber, technical judge, of Benmiller; Anne Lavis Elliott, also a technical judge, of Bayfield; and celebrity judge John Peevers, senior advisor of corporate affairs at Bruce Power; who were piped to their seats by Brenda Colquhoun of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band.

Linda Johnson, president of the agency’s board of directors and chairperson of the event, thanked everyone for supporting the gala. She also introduced executive director Deirdre Carroll.

“Thank you all for being here to support this important mentorship program,” said Johnson. “All our funds are raised through grants, sponsorships and events like this. And thank you to our wonderful volunteers and our 35 sponsors. Have an incredible time tonight and cheer on our dancers!”

Carroll also thanked the volunteers, the sponsors and the dancers for all their hard work and dedication.

“We connect young people with mentors,” she said. “That’s a powerful connection. That kind of relationship can make all the difference in these young lives.”

Big Brother Kevin Larson of Kincardine and his Little Brother, Garrett Tennant, also of Kincardine, have been matched for three years and spoke to the crowd about the importance of the mentorship program.

“Mentorship is not about what we say, it’s about what we do,” said Larson. “I’m committed to my Little Brother and he knows he can count on me. I love this organization and we’re having a great time.”

“The best part is being with Kevin,” said Garrett.

Next on the agenda, the seven couples performed their first numbers, followed by a short intermission, then their second dance numbers. The judges determined the top three couples, who then performed a shorter dance, before the winners were announced.

Taking to the floor first, were Buchanan and Ball who performed a Waltz and later, a Cha Cha.



Celebrity dancer James Buchanan and seasoned dancer Brenda Ball perform a Waltz

Celebrity dancer Terry Marsh and seasoned dancer Debbie Sedlmeir performed a Viennese Waltz and then a Cha Cha.



Celebrity dancer Terry Marsh and seasoned dancer Debbie Sedlmeir perform a Cha Cha

The third couple was celebrity dancer Matt Harvey and seasoned dancer Mary Neill performing a Rumba and then a Jive.



Celebrity dancer Matt Harvey and seasoned dancer Mary Neill perform a Rumba

Petrie and Yun performed the East Coast Swing, and later, a Salsa.



Celebrity dancer Jared Petrie and seasoned dancer Karen Yun perform a Salsa

White and McCarthy performed the Cha Cha and later, a Slow Waltz.



Celebrity dancer Jennifer White and seasoned dancer Basil McCarthy perform the Cha Cha

Celebrity dancer Hassan Arshad and seasoned dancer Carmen Coburn performed a Viennese Waltz and later, a Polka.



Celebrity dancer Hassan Arshad and seasoned dancer Carmen Coburn perform a Polka

And finally, celebrity dancer Andy Williams and seasoned dancer Rachel Mackay performed an Argentine Tango and later, a Salsa/Mambo Fusion.



Celebrity dancer Andy Williams and seasoned dancer Rachel Mackay perform a Salsa/Mambo Fusion

During the intermission, the Littles Award was presented to Buchanan and Ball, by Big Sister Ally Busby and her Little Sister, Brooklyn Wilson, of Walkerton.

Maria Riggin of Kincardine then spoke about moving here from London and becoming the case worker for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Kincardine and District in 1991. She has since retired but jumped at the chance to help out with Dancing With the Stars in support of the organization.

“It’s all about hope,” she said, “hope for the future for these children and their families, and for our communities.”

She recalled one Little Brother who had not yet been matched.

“It broke my heart,” she said. “He told me that his dad didn’t want him and apparently, no Big Brother wanted him either. Then we started the Big Bunch program and that little guy joined that group. This program has helped so many kids, and now we have in-school mentoring as well. That’s why we’re here tonight, to spread the hope.”

For the final dance-off, the judges selected Petrie and Yun, Buchanan and Ball, and White and McCarthy. During the brief intermission, Miller and Lockie auctioned off McCarthy’s dance shirt, raising another $250.

The couples performed a 60-second dance they had prepared and the judges made their decision.

Taking first place, were Buchana and Ball, followed by Petrie and Yun, and White and McCarthy.

Dennis Donnelly of Goderich won the raffle, taking home a diamond necklace and earrings, donated by Gemini Jewellers in downtown Kincardine.



Buchanan and Ball perform in the dance-off



Petrie and Yun perform a Jazz Fusion in the dance-off



White and McCarthy perform in the dance-off