Dancing With Our Stars fundraiser Saturday

The first Dancing With Our Stars event, a fundraiser for various Nevada and Vernon County charities, arrives Saturday, March 29, at the Ella Maxwell Center for the Performing Arts at Nevada High School at 7 p.m.

The format, similar to the uber popular event in Fort Scott of the same name, matches celebrity dancers who seek to raise funds for their favorite charity.

The groups have already held fundraisers in an effort to get their dancers financial support.

The inaugural effort opens with a welcome from Lori and Brent Bartlett, followed by Nevada High School choral director Wes Morton singing the "National Anthem."

Judges are Tresa Maneval, Erin Townsend, and Mike Turnbull.

Performing during the judges' tabulations will be the NHS Soundsational Singers.

Their selections include "Alice in Wonderland," "Pure Imagination," "Welcome to Wonderland," "Who Are You/Welcome to the Tea Party," "Off With Your Head/Queen of the Night," "There's a Mad World," and "Take Me Home/Paradise City."

Carly Greer, Gabby Gire, and Andrew Quitno will be featured soloists.

The featured dancers include:

* Peggy and Monty Smith, performing for On My Own, a selection titled "A Little Party Never Killed Nobody." Choreography by Carly Greer and Nick Geeding.

* Jama Bogart and Tim Wilson, for the Nevada Children's Center, "Shake Your Groove Thing." Choreography by Stephanie Bogart.

* Ashley and Jason Blight, for Community Outreach, with "The Way You Look Tonight." Choreography by Suni Aguilar.

* Renee and Shawn Jones, Birthright of Nevada, "Happy." Choreography by Rachelle Magsam.

* Staci and Dr. Erik Andersen, People for Pets, "I've Had the Time of My Life." Choreography by Riley Gordon. Backup dancers are Maddi Gordon, Riley Gordon, Luke Andersen, Quinton Crews, Cort Andersen and Grace Andersen.

* Kathy and Abraham Botha, American Red Cross, "Hungry Eyes." Choreography by Sandra Musonza.

* Connie and Ed Oyer, Senior Center, "Jailhouse Rock."

* Jeanette and Gary Hawkins, Children's Miracle Network, "Grease Medley." Choreography by Alyx Hawkins, backup dancers are Wendy and Will Smith, Allison and Thad Cheaney, and Amanda and Brandon Fisher.

* Jill and Seth Barrett, Nevada Regional Medical Center Foundation, "When Will I Be Loved."