Diary of a Dan-cer: An Offer You Can't Refuse

“Hi there. Am I speaking with Dan Maher? This is Dimitria Sullivan from Prime Honda. I understand that you recently purchased an Accord from our dealership.”

“Yes. We most certainly did.”

“Was your buying experience everything you wanted it to be?”

“Of course it was, Dim.” I responded wondering where she was going with this.

“Was the Salesperson knowledgeable and professional?”

“Of course he was….”

“I only have one more question for you, Mr. Maher…..do you want to be a STAR?!?”

I was floored. Dancing with the Dedham Stars is a big deal! It’s the largest fundraiser of the year for the Dedham Educational Partnership. It’s a fantastic event!

I routinely attend as a fan and have been a main sponsor the past two years for two Stars….Mike Nosky in 2010 and Andy Shumway in 2011.

For those that don’t know me, I’m heavily involved in Dedham Youth Baseball. I have coached in town for the past 5 years and I coach with both Mike and Andy during the summer.

Our summer teams have won their District Championship three years in a row, making three straight appearances in the State Tournament and one appearance in the New England Regionals in 2010. I suppose with that track record for the three of us, and with Mike and Andy participating these past two years, I guess it makes sense that I was asked. That being said, I was still caught off guard.

This year will be the fifth year of DWTDS. At six contestants per year, three men and three women, I will be one of 30 people and only 15 guys to have participated.

While I am sure that Dimitria has asked some to participate and they have declined, most who are asked, as I am, are honored. That phone call, creatively disguised as a quality control call from Prime Honda, was as though The Godfather was asking me to do something. I felt that you simply cannot say no to Dimitria. Quite literally, she was making me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

So……I’m in. Both feet in…..deep end of the pool….as in as you can get. I don’t think DWTDS is something you can take on lightly. I am going to keep this “Diary of a Dan-cer” as I prepare and train for the show.

My hope is to give folks an even better understanding of what goes into the performance and (hopefully) drum up even MORE interest in the event than in past years. If I am able to do this, then we can raise even MORE money for DEP, the schools and the students.

It’s all about fundraising, so PLEASE DONATE! If you are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities or simply want to donate, please email me or visit my FaceBook page “Dan-cing for Dedham!!!”.

Your business could get a shout out like my FIRST Table sponsor…The Greater Boston Gala Girls! Thank You for your generous donation, Ladies! I’d also like to thank Café Fresh Bagels for their donation! Keep ‘em coming!

I hope to take you on this wild ride with me and look forward to performing for you on Sat., Dec. 8 at Moseley’s! See you there!