"I've been so blessed with a healthy family and now also grandkids," said Rita Beck, "how can you not want to give back?" She is one of this year's dancers who also danced in 2011. Beck, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors, is also very involved with Dayton Children's Hospital through the Dayton TWIG organization.
Tim O'Meara, President of Gem City Engineering and Manufacturing, who won the 2015 Valentines Dance, is back to vie for the title of Grand Champion. After being a guest of a dancer, he was asked to participate for the following year. "It is such a fun event, and competing and winning was a thrill, but truly it is all about the kids and the work of A Special Wish," he said.
Kim Faris, another competitor and broadcaster at Big 106.5 and Dayton's Hot Country B94.5, is a long-time ASW supporter and fan. She has been the honorary emcee of the Valentines Dance for many years and danced before ASW was the beneficiary. "When I hear the stories about our Dayton area Wish Kids, the wishes and the dreams that they share, I think, 'How could anyone NOT want to help these children experience a memory to last a lifetime?'" said Kim. "When A Special Wish Foundation grants a wish, well…it makes me want to dance!"
Winners are chosen based on the volume of audience applause, so dancers are encouraged to invite family, friends and business associates to improve their chance of taking home the mirrored ball trophy. “It can get rather loud with noisemakers, bells, whistles and screaming,” said Dona Niswonger, Valentines Dance Chair. “The energy is amazing and, even better, the money raised at this event goes to grant the wishes of local children who have been through so much.”
Troy Eubank took home the mirrored ball trophy in 2014. He was lured in to the fun after attending the dance for two years, cheering on friends who were competing. An account manager with Lewisburg Container Company, Troy has a lot of contacts and "hopes to have them cheer him to victory."
Kim Dybvad competed in 2013. She is a branch manager for PrimeLending. Since 1988, Kim has been working in the mortgage industry and also has amassed a larger number of colleagues and contacts. She will be ready to perform the entire audience and hopes to help raise a lot of money to help Wish Kids.
Dr. Greg Shelhouse is a local dentist and owner of the Dayton Dental Collaborative and when he is not dancing at the Valentines Dance, he is emceeing it. Greg won in 2012 and has been an emcee ever since. Bringing his infectious energy, he returns to defend his title.
Each competitor is paired up with a professional dancer from Elegance in Dance. Owner and Ballroom Champion Terry Cavanaugh helps organize an unforgettable night. Kim Faris recalled, "It is hard work to prepare for the competition, but the evening is such fun! Great music and food, plus it's a wonderful way to celebrate Valentine's Day, by sharing your love for children dealing with life threatening illness."
To learn more about this event and read bios of each dancer, become a sponsor or to purchase seats or raffle tickets for a $2,500 cruise donated by AAA Miami Valley, please visit the organization's website at www.aspecialwishdayton.org/dance. Treat your Valentine to a unique evening, cheer on your favorite dancer and be a part of granting wishes to local children diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
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