'Dancing with South Stars' Fundraiser to Benefit Beaumont Respite Care

Five Grosse Pointe South High School teachers paired with professional dancers from a studio have been practicing for Friday's dance competition in which a panel of three judges will decide the ultimate winner.

This year's Dancing with the South Stars event will benefit Beaumont Hospital's Respite Care for Special Needs Families, said Carrie Halliburton, teacher and class of 2014 advisor.

A celebrity judge will also be a part of the three member panel, she said, noting it is Joique Bell, a runningback for the Detroit Lions. The other judges include Prinicipal Matt Outlaw and last year's winner, teacher Mr. Schultz. 

The goal of the night is solely for attendees to have fun, Halliburton said, noting the event was bigger than what one class was able to do so the other classes and the student council joined in helping put this year's event on.

The teachers, who volunteered, include:

• Social Studies teacher Christopher Booth
• English teacher Sandy McCue
• Media Specialist Courtney McGuire
• Social Worker Doug Roby
• Spanish teacher Christine Spada

Beaumont Hospital Grosse Pointe is also combining their annual Day of Dance, which involves doctors dancing with patients in an effort to educate people about heart health and activity, Halliburton said.

As a result, health information will be available to those who attend, she said.

The Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Sterling Heights has donated lessons for the teachers, Halliburton said.

Last year about 450 people attended the competition, which involved six teachers paired with dancers from a dance studio. This year, so far, about 200 tickets have been sold, she said.

The event is the result of an idea spurred by discussion surrounding students' enjoyment of the television show Dancing with the Stars, which was sparked as a result of their knowledge about Halliburton's own love of ballroom dancing, she said.

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door. The competition begins at 7 p.m. Friday April 12 in the Grosse Pointe South gymnasium.