What a wonderful way to spend a Friday night… helping the homeless in our area and having fun doing it! SSP was asked to photograph the Center for the Homeless’ Dancing with Our Stars event this year. This amazing event pairs professional dancers with ‘stars’ of the Center for the Homeless. The pairs practice for 2 months together, all the while raising money for the cause. At the night of the event, each pair dances and the guests vote for a winner. Of course since all the money raised goes to helping our homeless population, everyone is a winner!

Gorgeous ballroom at the Gillespie Conferences & Special Events Center

 

After the cocktail reception, it was time for the formal welcome and invocation by executive director Steve Camilleri and Mark McGill (the voice of the South Bend Cubs and 95.3 News/Talk).

Next was the live auction with some pretty energetic auctioneers. Some of the items included Notre Dame football season tickets, a two-night stay at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, instant wine cellar, tickets to the Rolling Stones and our personal favorite, sponsoring a child at the Center.

Once all the auction items were spoken for, it was time to DANCE!

Star: Erin McNeil – Pro: Mariuscz Skonieczny

 

Stars: Jimmy & Lindsey Foley

 

Star: Jake Teshka – Pro: Nicole Majewski

 

Star: Abbi Pollyea – Pro: Jake Wilson

 

Dance break!

 

Star: Tate Steller – Pro: Nicole Majewski

 

Star: Lani Vivirito – Pro: Jake Wilson

 

Star: Dr. AJ Mencias – Pro: Amy O’Day

 

Stars: Dan & Meredith Santucci

 

Lipsync with Our Stars performance.

 

Star: Julie Markiewicz – Pros: Amy O’Day & Nicole Majewski

 

Stars: Sara Iannone & Patrick Tinsley

 

Star: Christy Burnstine – Pro: Jake Wilson

 

Star: Gracie Gallegher – Pro:Kevin Guy

 

Enfocus, INC performance.

 

More dancing shoes!

 

Winner of Dancing with Our Stars = Star: Dr. AJ Mencias – Pro: Amy O’Day

 

I want to say a huge THANK YOU to those who donated their time and talents to this wonderful cause.

Venue & catering: Gillespie Conferences & Special Events Center

Flowers/Decor: Polly McCarthy of Poppies

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Video: TJ21 Media Group

Hair: Mosaic Salon

Makeup: Camellia Cosmetics

Trophies: Crown Trophy

Mark McGill’s attire: Louie’s Tux Shop

Jewelry giveaway: Impress Jewelry Creations & Bonefish Grill

Fundraising partner: GiveGrove

 

Thank you to the Center for the Homeless for allowing us the opportunity to give back to our community.  We had a terrific time and can’t wait for next year!

Full gallery here!