Local Luminaries
Austin celebs dance up $1.3 million during dazzling downtown fundraiser
What: 12th Annual Dancing with the Stars Austin
Where: JW Marriott
The lowdown: Dancing with the Stars Austin, one of the city's most entertaining philanthropic events, returned on November 26 in support of the Center of Child Protection. More than 800 guests gathered to watch this decidedly local twist on the hit television show, which pairs Capital City celebs with professional dancers for an epic, no-holds-barred dance-off.
The Grand Ballroom of the JW Marriott was transformed for the evening — an evening that happened to raise $1.3 million for the children's charity. The local luminaries dancing their way into the spotlight this year included JonathanDavis, MarcyCarpenter, StephanieO’Neill, SaulPaul, PradeepKumar, MariannaWaite, StevenHernandez, ShawnCirkiel, CapriceRichards, KendallBeard McMinn, AaronWilliams, and special guest dancerBetsyHudson.
Judges Brad Booker, AlexFranco, and SaraOsburn from Mix 94.7 ultimately awarded Kendall Beard McMinn and professional partner Tobi Kretschmer the trophy for their routine set to “A Little Party.” Caprice Richards and her partner Albert Tallieur took first runner-up, while Aaron Williams and dance partner Azucena Perez nabbed second runner-up.
The competition wasn't the only draw. Guests also enjoyed a live auction, raffle for a 2018 Lexus RX 350L courtesy of Lexus of Austin & Lakeway, a $2,500 H-E-B gift card, and Southwest Airlines tickets.
Who:GlennBall, HollyMills-Gardner, FrancieLittle, JennyMason, MelanieMcLeroy, JustinSellers, RoxannLagow, DJ Gatsby, TamaWilliamson, KaraSwinney, MattSwinney, and LisaVargas.