On September 26, 2009 at the Tampa Marriott Waterside’s Grand Ballroom, steps will be taken on and off the dance floor to raise awareness and support for the mission of Heartbeat International. The non-profit organization has teamed up with Fred Astaire Dance Studios and local celebrities for the second annual Dancing with the Stars Tampa Bay. Hearbeat International is the world's premier provider of free, cardiac pacemakers, implantable defibrillators and medical care to needy patients around the world.The event is modeled after the hit TV series. Local philanthropists, executives, celebrities and their professional dance partners will be critiqued by professional adjudicators while competing for the top position in the areas of People’s Choice, Best Male & Female and of course Grand Champion.
Attendees will be able to help save lives by casting votes for their favorite dancer either online prior to the evening or at the event. As well, a silent auction & raffle will be held with items such as an Indy Racing Experience, Taste of Tampa package and an exotic vacation courtesy of Elite Travel.
This event is being chaired by a business leader and philanthropist who possesses a deeply rooted commitment to positively touch the lives of others. Julie Weintraub of Gold & Diamond Source, and competitor in Dancing with the Stars Tampa Bay 2008, is “expecting an even greater success than last year’s event of more than 500 attendees and $50,000 dollars raised.”
Will Mick, President of Heartbeat International, says that last year’s event was one of the highest attended events in Tampa Bay and adds, “Dancing with the Stars Tampa Bay is not only the premier event in the area, it is also the single most impactful fund raising event for our mission here at HBI. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing that people can enjoy an entertaining event while making a positive impact on their local and global communities. Now, more than ever before, events like Dancing with the Stars Tampa Bay remind us how much goodness exists in the hearts and lives of the great citizens of Tampa Bay!”
This year’s list of dancers includes; Publisher of The duPont Registry, Tom duPont; Retired NFL Star, Mark Royals; Bay News 9’s Roxanne Wilder, Original Hooters Girl Lynn Austin; LPGA Professional Sally Dee, Icon B. Marketing & Publicity Group CEO Brandi Kamenar, real estate consultant & philanthropist Jim Henning, as well as Melissa McGhee, Susan Guidi, Chad Nelson, Shilen Patel, and the writer and director of “A Fonder Heart”, Jim Fitzpatrick.
