MUSKEGON, Mich. — After months of fundraising and countless practices, the numbers for the 2024 Boots & Bling Dancing with the Local Stars fundraiser in Muskegon are in and making a huge impact.
The Muskegon Women's Division Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday morning that the 2024 Dancing with the Local Stars (DWTLS) competition raised $222,010 for local food-related agencies in Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa counties.
This is just a portion of how much the organization has raised in total.
“This event generated more than $2 million over the past 16 years,” DWTLS co-chairwoman Mary Kendall said.
Eleven groups made up of community stars and local pros competed on stage in Muskegon back in February for two days of entertainment. The event included a Friday night show, Saturday matinee show and Saturday evening show all for an incredible cause.
“Dancing with the Local Stars is a remarkable event that brings together so many unique individuals within our community for a common cause of helping feed the hungry in our community,” Kendall said.
Each team had been practicing once to twice a week beginning at the end of November 2023 and also meeting for opening number practice during that time. But it was not about the dancing, it was about the fundraising that the dancing was bringing in.
Jannette Bole, co-chairwoman added, “The creative fundraising by our dancers prior to our event doors opening exceeded our expectations. The dancers are challenged to think of ways they can uniquely raise money and awareness for the cause when they are teamed up at the Meet & Greet in November. They sure raised the bar for next year!”
The Muskegon Women's Division Chamber of Commerce plans to host this event again next year, making it their 17th Dancing with the Local Stars event.
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