About the Event Modeled after the hit reality show, Dancing with the Stars, this gala event features seven “stars” from the community dancing with local ballroom instructors to raise funds for HEALS and compete for the night’s top prizes - Crowd Favorite and Top Champion for Children (top fundraiser).
History of Stars Dancing for HEALS In 2007, the first Stars Dancing for HEALS event was held at the Crossroads Music Hall downtown Huntsville, raising over $60,000 for the organization. Seven "stars" from the community worked with local professional studios for three months to prepare for their debut performance the night of the event.
Due to its great success and a sold out crowd in the first year, the event was moved to Monaco Pictures at Bridge Street in 2008.· Located in the two-story ballroom combining the lobby, Scene Lounge, and the Privé VIP area, seven new Stars prepared for another great night of dancing.
Owing to the positive feedback regarding the new location, food, and beverages in the first two years, Stars Dancing for HEALS 2010 was another great success at the Monaco.
Thanks to the continued growth and popularity of the event, SDFH 2011 was moved to the Propst Lobby & Arena at the VBC. Please stay tuned for date, times, and location for 2012.
The event offers a little something for everyone—great music, general dancing, and fun social atmosphere with a Hollywood feel.
Location & Date The event is held each year in early November. Stay tuned for details about location and time for 2012.
Who are our Stars? Since 2007, HEALS has had the opportunity to work with many different individuals from different areas of the community. From doctors, dentists, television news anchors, small business owners, civic volunteers, to school principals, our stars have come from all walks of life to support HEALS!
For three months, each star is committed to fundraising as an ambassador for HEALS, while learning to dance with their ballroom dancing instructor.
Each star is paired with a local, professional dance instructor at the studios to prepare one dance for the night of the event. They receive approximately 20 hours in lessons to prepare for the dance, which is donated at no cost, on behalf of the professionals.
HEALS appreciates the willingness of the stars and studios to step into the spotlight to benefit the children we serve at our school-based health care clinics.· Without their support and enthusiasm, this event would not be possible.· We look forward to working with future stars of the community for this rewarding and enjoyable experience.
How to Win. Stars Dancing for HEALS is set up similar to a walk-a-thon. Each star will collect donations and corporate sponsorships.
The Star who raises the most money (called “votes”) for HEALS wins the Top Champion for Children award. Each Star’s fund raising goal is $10,000. Every dollar donated to HEALS counts as one vote.
Just like the show, a Crowd Favorite Award is awarded by the audience based on applause duration and intensity, so be sure to join us for the show to cheer on your favorites!
Sponsorship opportunities are offered each year ranging from $1,500 to $10,000. Each sponsorship includes table seating at the event and fantastic promotional opportunities. Sponsorships can count as votes for the stars as well.
ANYONE, ANYWHERE can vote for the stars of the year by donating to HEALS in the amount of their choice. Every dollar donated in the star's name counts as a vote. It’s as simple as 1-2-3, and there are many ways for folks to contribute by:
Donating online at www.healsinc.org
Mailing a donation to HEALS in your name before the event (1100 Meridian Street Huntsville, AL 35801)
Purchasing reservations online for $125 (with an option to count as votes)