Ferndale, Michigan Credit Union ONE branch manager Tamara DePonio competed in the SwingShift and the Stars Dance-Off for Charity, which raised a record total of more than $275,000 for six charities within the Traverse Bay region. Since its inception in 2008, the "Dancing with the Stars" style competition has raised more than $1.5 million to benefit local nonprofits in the Traverse Bay and Great Lakes Bay regions.
SwingShift and the Stars, hosted by High Impact Productions, brought together local celebrities, dancers, live music, and volunteers again this fall and winter for fun and fundraising. Six couples, each representing a different charity, danced in four themed events and received critique from a panel of judges. Each event concluded with members of the audience voting for their favorite couple or charity by making a donation.
DePonio, a lifelong dancer in addition to her role as the credit unions Traverse City branch manager, was approached by the events coordinators to serve as a dance coach. She and her dance partner, Peninsula Township Supervisor Pete Correia, danced on behalf of The Peter Dougherty Society. In total, they helped raise more than $81,000 for the local historic preservation and restoration group.
"SwingShift and the Stars has been such a phenomenal event! Ive had the wonderful privilege of interacting with many business professionals in the Traverse City community who demonstrate the principals of true servant leadership," DePonio said. "Im proud of everyone involved; the event coordinators, the band, the local celebrities who took a chance on learning something new, the choreographers, the teachers, and the charities. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to play a small role in support of the community in which I live and I am so very grateful Credit Union ONE shares these values and has allowed me to help make a difference with this very worthwhile cause."
