Hope's First Dance the Night Away Event in Danville Raises More Than $4K

DANVILLE, Pa. –  On October 18, 150 guests participated in Hope Enterprise's first "Dance the Night Away" event for Columbia, Montour, Snyder and Union Counties to benefit the Hope Foundation. Held at the Pine Barn Inn, the event raised more than $4,000 through ticket sales and sponsorships to support people with intellectual disabilities in those counties and the rest of Hope's service area, which includes Lycoming, Clinton, and Northumberland Counties.

Modeled after ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" and Hope's original dance event held in Williamsport, the Danville event paired leaders from Hope, the community and area businesses with Hope individuals in a fun and friendly competition. Dance pairs performed to pop, rock, disco, hip hop, musical and alternative songs such as "Twist & Shout," "Stayin' Alive," "You're the One That I Want," "You Can't Stop the Beat" and "Jump On It."

Karen Gronsky and students from her dance studio served as instructors, teaching each couple a dance routine for the competition.

During intermission, the entire group danced to the pop song "Happy."

Montour County Commissioner Trevor Finn and Todd "The Harry Man" Steward from BIGFOOT Country served as emcees for the event. Celebrity judges included Gronsky, Montour County Treasurer Norma Bird, Kathy Grandizio of Danville Pharmacy and Northumberland County Commissioner Kymberly Best.

"We're pleased to have been able to expand this fun, community event to the Columbia, Montour, Snyder and Union county areas," said Robert Labatch, Hope president. "We're grateful to our friends, supporters, sponsors, dance coaches, emcees and all of our dancers who participated in this entertaining evening to support a very worthy cause.

Event sponsors included BIGFOOT Country, Danville Pharmacy, Sunbury Motors, Karen Gronsky School of Dance, Hanna 92.3 and 106.1, Service1st Federal Credit Union, Pretty Petals & Gifts by Susan, Wagner's Trophies, Tori Johnson Photography, Steve's Power Washing, Continental Fire Department, Lamar Advertising, Scott's Floral, Heeter's Ice Cream, Dunkin Donuts, Strike Zone and Hope Enterprises.