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CASA’s Dancing with the Stars raises $39K
CASA stars
Pictured, from left, are CASA Star Michelle Ricketson, Master Ballroom Instructor Alfredo Horna, Top Female Winner DeLisa Clift, professional dancer Kimberly Bussinah-Capracotta, 2nd place male dancer Robert R. Jordan Jr., 2nd place female contestant Kamaria Boston with partner Mitchell Boston, professional dancer Rachael Moore, Top Male winner Shawn Johnson, 3rd place winner Denise Scott and professional dancer Darrell Davis at the 8th Annual Dancing with the Stars of the Coastal Empire, held at the Liberty County Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 4, 2023. Photo provided

After a two-year hiatus, Atlantic Area CASA, Inc. held its 8th Annual Dancing with the Stars of the Coastal Empire to raise funds to continue its efforts to advocate for abused and neglected children placed in foster care.

The community filled the Liberty County Performing Arts Center seats on Saturday, March 4, to support six CASA Stars and their professional partners. Each contestant strutted their stuff to win the top categories: Top Male, Top Female, Top Fundraiser and Fan Favorite.

The top Male Winner went to Shawn Johnson of Electrical Sales Associates and professional dancer Rachael Moore with their Latin Medley, with second place going to Robert R. Jordan Jr. of Savannah E-Learning Academy and his professional partner Kimberly Bussinah-Capracotta, with their Bachata style routine.

The top Female Winner went to Global Business Development Strategist CEO DeLisa Clift and professional partner Alfredo Horna, with their Salsa routine, with second place going to PlayDatez! Child Development Center owner and operator Kamaria Boston and her husband, Magnum Pest Control owner Mitchell Boston, with their Salsa/ Samba Medley, and third place went to director of student services of Bryan County Schools Dr. Denise Scott and her professional partner, Darrell Davis, with their Hip Hop Medley.

Shawn Johnson also won Fan Favorite and Top Fundraiser after raising over $9,000 for his DWTS campaign.

“What interest me with Dancing with the Stars is first of all, I love to dance. I love to be challenged in any type of dance,” Clift said. “So as I’m promoting the CASA Dancing with this Stars event for this year, I’m telling people that I am dancing for money. I’m dancing for an amazing cause that’s raising funds for children in our court system and to able to provide a support for the organization that I feel so passionate about.” The event was emceed by Georgia CASA’s Training and Inclusion Specialist LaFayette Young and judged by David Floyd, executive director of Liberty County Family Connection, Pastor Richard Hayes, and 6th Annual Dancing with the Stars of the Coastal Empire winner Crystal Hunter.

Ultimately, Atlantic Area CASA, Inc. raised over $39,000 through local community sponsors and donations. CASA wants to recognize sponsors, including their top sponsor (Mamba Level), Thomas Hill Jewelers. Thomas Hill Jewelers conducted its fundraiser to support the Dancing with the Stars Event, raising $2,015. Top sponsors include 4 Brothers Repair (Tango Sponsor) and Joseph Grant-State Farm (FoxTrot). Atlantic Area CASA, Inc. also extended thanks to Salon De Baile Dance and Fitness Studio for its partnership with dance practices and the pairing of professional dancers.

Atlantic Area CASA, Inc. is a non-profit organization that advocates for abused and neglected children placed in foster care through juvenile court proceedings. CASA currently covers six counties — Bryan, Evans, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, and Tattnall — and CASA serves over 100 children with 23 volunteers.

To learn more about Atlantic Area CASA, Inc, call (912) 876-3816 or head over to www. atlanticcasa.org.

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