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Community Corner

Dancing With the Dedham Stars a Huge Success

Event passes last year's total of $25,000 in donations.

It was just about three months ago, that we received a phone call and an invitation, from Dedham Educational Partnership President Dimitria Sullivan, to sit in on a “secret meeting” she had planned, with the 2012 “Dedham Stars.”

This year's group of stars – still a bit wide-eyed and a little nervous – were meeting with Dimitria and one another for the first time.

A promo photo of the group (not an easy task, they were so busy having fun with one another) was planned, along with an over-view of what they should expect the next 10 weeks. 

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You see, this was the fifth consecutive year that Dimitria Sullivan and the D.E.P. was sponsoring this gala fundraiser, with all proceeds being donated to the Dedham Public School System.

Last year's dance-off, held at Moseley's on the Charles, raised approximately $25,000.

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Ms. Sullivan went through each phase of the event with precision and expertise. Each of the six “dance teams” secured sponsors, held fundraisers, attended meetings, and most importantly – learned how to dance – all while leading normal lives at work and with their families. 

On Sat. Dec 8, 2012 the doors at Moseley's opened. Having spent hours upon hours with this show, you realize the incredible amount of work involved, not to mention the countless people, both behind the scenes and in the spotlight.

The DWTDS Committee of Carmen Dello Iacono, Paul Munchbach and Dimitria Sullivan – host Bob Coughlin – DJ Rob Blaney – the folks at Dedham TV – Bob Stanley and the Department of Rec. – the judges, Miss Beth, Miss Donna and Earl Batol – the Professionals, Martin, Nina, Kalin, Joey and Rachel – the students from Dedham High – the Dedham Women Dancers – the veteran Dedham Stars of the Past – hair and makeup people – etc.

Each Team had their time under the lights and by night's end, with tensions running high, Bob Coughlin opened an envelope and announced to the crowd, they had just broken last year's record, by raising $26,000. 

Then came the “Dedham Star” that had raised the most money for our schools… Marcella Musto!

Next, the judges choice for the best technical ability… Marcella Musto!

Holding two large trophies overhead, Marcella ran from one side of the stage to the other, and was then smothered by her by her family and friends. Can't wait for next year…

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