By Rich Larson
Local volunteers are putting on their dancing shoes to support community organizations as Northfield Shares prepares to host Dancing with the Northfield Stars on Nov. 7 at the Grand Event Center.
Doors will open at 6 p.m., with performances beginning at 7 p.m. The event is expected to conclude around 9 p.m., with the possibility of additional dancing afterward.
Northfield Shares Executive Director Carrie Carroll and Communications, Marketing and Grants Manager Kerry Hjelmgren said the fundraiser will bring together seven nonprofit dance teams, volunteer instructors and community supporters for an evening modeled after the television show Dancing with the Stars.
Carroll said the idea grew from a similar fundraiser benefiting a single organization in another community. Northfield Shares expanded the concept to support several nonprofits simultaneously.
“And voila, here we are. It was really just a chance for us to showcase how we really want to support the community and showcase other missions that are out there that we love to support in the financial space.”
The participating organizations are Believe It, Epic Enterprise, the Northfield Area Family YMCA, Northfield Arts Guild, Project Friendship, Sharing Our Roots and Northfield Union of Youth, which operates The Key.
Each organization recruited volunteer dancers who are working with instructors to prepare their performances. Instructors from Division Street Dance, Just for Kix and Northfield Dance Academy are donating their time and expertise.
Carroll said dancers are also raising money for their respective organizations before and during the event. Supporters can visit the Northfield Shares website, select a participating nonprofit and make a donation.
Competition results will combine the number of donations supporting each organization with scores from four judges. Organizers emphasized that donations are counted individually, giving supporters an opportunity to participate in the competition while contributing to local causes.
KYMN’s Rich Larson will serve as a co-emcee.
Videos introducing the dance teams and explaining their organizations’ missions are available through Northfield Shares’ Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Carroll said business and individual sponsors are helping make the event possible, with their support benefiting Northfield Shares and the seven participating nonprofits. Additional sponsorship opportunities remain available.
The foundation is also reviewing 35 applications during its current grant cycle, underscoring the demand for support throughout the community.
Tickets, donations, team information and sponsorship details are available at northfieldshares.org. Organizers encourage residents to learn about the participating organizations.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
