‘Dancing with Colby’s Stars’ benefits area youth
CARMICHAELS – The stars shone brightly in Carmichaels recently, as many area residents gathered to participate in a special event that was held to help a local youth who has been diagnosed with cancer. The event, titled “Dancing with Colby’s Stars,” was held at the Carmichaels Veterans of Foreign Wars to benefit the “Colby’s Cure” fundraising initiative. Proceeds will go to help 8-year-old Colby Simkovic of Waynesburg, who is undergoing treatment at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., for a brain tumor.
Colby, a second-grade student at Jefferson-Morgan Elementary School, was able to attend the benefit and have a VIP seat for the dancers to provide him a special performance.
All of the tickets for the “Dancing with the Stars” event, which was coordinated by Debbie and Rachel Haring, were sold out. Admission to the event was $10 and included a menu of various appetizers. There was also a 50/50 drawing and a silent auction. “Team Colby” gear was available for purchase.
In all, a total of $6,741 was raised at the event. A spaghetti dinner fundraiser was held earlier this month for the cause, which also was a success.
The performers were Colby’s teachers, family, and friends, along with members of West Virginia University Dance Ensemble.
The competing couple received a score from a panel of judges.
The judges were: Ginny McClelland, a dance teacher for 30 years; Susan Barnes, a Rices Landing native who has acted in many Hollywood shows; Karen Patterson, who works at SCI-Greene and has previous dance experience; and Susan Tretinik, a teacher at Jefferson-Morgan Elementary School who coaches the Jefferson-Morgan cheerleaders.
All the judges were more than willing to attend the event.
“It was so much fun,” said Ginny McClelland. “The contestants were all so entertaining and had a lot of enthusiasm. They put a lot of work into it. Rachel did a wonderful job coordinating this event.”
Additional points were given to contestants for every dollar over $100 that they raised. Audience members were encouraged to “bribe” the judges by donating in sponsorship of their favorite couple during the competition.
Colby said he thought the event was “pretty amazing.” He presented trophies to all the winners and was even presented a trophy as well by Debbie Haring.
“You are our star so we made sure that you had a trophy,” she said to Colby.
Morgan Simkovic, Colby’s sister, served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the event.
Tammy Koratich, Colby’s aunt, and Koratich’s best friend from high school performed a dance called “Evolution of Dance.” They won Judge’s Choice and their dance was Colby’s favorite. Debbie Haring said she approached Koratich to enter the competition, and Koratich had her best friend help her with this project.
After the event, Koratich said, “I would do anything for my nephew. He’s amazing. I thank God everyday that he gave him to us.”
The overall winners in the competition were Rachel Haring and Jimmy Wood, Colby’s uncle, who won with a performance to the song “You’re the One that I Want” from “Grease.”
The Junior Dance Award went to Colby’s cousins Preston Wood, Addison Shawley, and Brynn Boyd, who performed “Move It.”
Carrie Simkovic, Colby’s mother said, “We’re so fortunate to have such a community of friends. Debbie Haring went way and above. Rachel Haring, thank you so much for all you have done. We’re so proud to be from Greene County.”
Lanfer Simpson, one of the dancers in the competition said, “It’s just nice to see how people in the community come out to support someone even if it’s stepping out of their comfort zone. What a wonderful place to live.”
Rachel Haring said putting together the event was “absolutely incredible. It has blossomed into something that we never expected.”
“It was awesome how everybody jumped in and helped for this great cause,” Debbie Haring said. “I’m really proud of everyone who was involved.”
Those interested in donating to the “Colby’s Cure” fundraising initiative can donate to the account, which has been set up through First Federal Savings and Loan Association.
Donations can be made to “Colby’s Cure” at any First Federal branch. Call your local branch for more information.