Hotel jam-packed for ‘Dancing with the Local Stars’

“This is the best year ever for sponsors and giving,” Chairwoman Mary Kendall said. “I know people are hard-pressed, so it’s very heartwarming how much people are giving.”  

The event had four sold-out performances with about 400 people at each one. The WDCC added an extra performance for Thursday evening as the demand for tickets was so high. 

The opening number was a teary tribute by Margot VanOordt of Grand Haven, who sang “Hero” by Mariah Carey. With a slideshow presentation of local food pantries, volunteers and families in the background, VanOordt reminded attendees who the real heroes were in the room. 

“The heroes are the food pantries and the volunteers that help out so many in need,” she said. 

Last year, the local dancing contest raised $60,000 and WDCC officials said they may have topped that this year.

“We will have the full results out in April,” Kendall said. “That’s when we start distributing to the food pantries.” 

The dancers had been practicing since the beginning of January. They had to learn opening and closing numbers, and their own individual routine.  

This is the first year Bari Johnson of Spring Lake participated in the contest with her dancing skills, after attending last year’s event.

“It’s been a lot of fun for a wonderful cause,” she said.

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