Dufour, LaBonte and Hall dance to top spots.

AuthorOleson, Ellie
PositionWeeklies

Byline: Ellie Oleson

AUBURN -- The real winners of the sixth annual Dancing With the Stars of Auburn competition were the children and families who will benefit from the record $22,400 raised at the event.

All proceeds from the event will go to support Auburn Youth and Family Services. Sally D'Arcangelo, executive director at the social services agency, said the sold-out dance competition, titled "Hooray for Hollywood,'' was the most successful ever.

"I would like to thank all the dancers, judges and volunteers who made this event such a huge success. I would also like to thank the businesses and people who donated food and items for the auction, with special thanks to Maureen Kennedy, who organized the raffles and is one of our best cheerleaders.''

Ms. D'Arcangelo offered special thanks to Sally and John Heaney, owners of Sally McDermott Dance Centers, event organizers; Motorsports International and Thrifty Car Rental, who cleared out their inventory so they could host the event Jan. 31 at 444 Washington St.; and Joe Hurley, retired Auburn High School teacher and comedian, who served as master of ceremonies, as he does every year.

"We couldn't do it without them or all those who came out in the cold to have fun,'' Ms. D'Arcangelo said.

The competition relies on volunteer celebrity dancers, who are partnered with Sally McDermott Dance Centers and Arthur Murray Dance Studio professionals, who spend months choreographing, practicing and preparing costumes for the big day.

In step with the Hollywood theme, three awards were presented. The Auburn Oscar for presenting the Best Picture went to Patrick Dufour, Auburn High School English teacher and football coach, and his partner, Caitlin Foley, for their interpretation of music from the "Blues Brothers.''

Jeff LaBonte, owner of LaBonte Consulting...

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