VERO BEACH — Fans flocked to the Waxlax Performing Arts Center at St. Edward’s School in record breaking numbers Saturday night for the highly anticipated Dancing with Vero’s Stars fundraiser to benefit the Healthy Start Coalition. It was a hard fought competition, but in the end, realtor Charlotte Terry and partner Roger O’Brien danced their way into stardom, taking home the coveted mirror ball trophy as the 2012 Grand Prize Winners.
Co-chairs Brenda Lloyd and Joe Robinson and their tireless committee brought the event to a whole new level and the rousing sold-out crowd clearly approved.
“We came into the evening with more than $200,000; that’s more than all three years combined,” said Robinson.
“We were hoping for 400, were optimistic for 500 and oversold at more than 800,” beamed Lloyd.
A new component organized by 2011 top fundraiser Judy Van Saun, evoked a true Hollywood feel, with dancers alighting from limousines onto a red carpet runway where they were swarmed by paparazzi, greeted with cheers from adoring admirers and interviewed by Bobby Guttridge, 2011 grand prize winner.
“It really makes you feel special when you get out of that car,” said Van Saun, who had arranged to have costumed Charter High School students clamoring for autographs and photos.
After months of dedicated practice and fundraising, the star dancers and their professional partners had earned the spotlight and were relishing every well-deserved minute of it, handling their newfound fame with grace, humor and not a hint of nervousness.
Dancers received last minute encouragement and donations during a packed cocktail hour, attempting to boost to their overall scores. Winners are determined in equal parts by the money they raise, with each dollar equaling one vote, and the judges’ scores.
“I think this is amazing,” said Rebecca Russell-Gootee, Healthy Start executive director. “It exceeded my expectations majorly!”
Returning judge Lance Sexton of Melbourne Ballroom was joined in the hot seat by Lauren Chapin, fondly remembered as Kitten on Father Knows Best, and Vero’s own theatrical guru Mark Wygonik.
“I’m looking for grace, footwork and personality; dancers who paint a beautiful picture with their dance,” said Chapin.
“Not only are they dancing well, but are they relating. We want to see them have as much fun as we’re having,” added Wygonik.
After a welcome to the SRO audience by emcees Hamp Elliott and Dana Daniels of radio’s The Breeze, the dancers proceeded to wow the crowd with sequins and sparkle, feathers and footwork.
Dr. Glenn Tremml, an emergency room physician at Indian River Medical Center, and partner Karren Walter drew the difficult first spot in a random drawing; leading off the competition with a quick step routine that Sexton announced set the standard for the night.
The citrus industry’s Carl Fetzer paired with Danielle Zimmerman were next on stage, dancing an enjoyable slow, sure Tango to the popular show tune Hernando’s Hideaway.
Wearing a sparkly hot pink and black outfit, model and children’s book author Laura Guttridge danced a sexy Rumba with partner Tom Isola, wowing everyone with an impressive end-of-dance dip.
Insurance advisor Melissa Shine and partner Barry Trammell glided across the stage with a graceful waltz full of dips, turns and exciting lifts, which Chapin found thoroughly enchanting.
Philanthropist and personal coach Susanne Sweeny and partner Joseph Wynes earned high praise from the judges for their jazzy, jaunty rendition of the Lindy Hop which caused Chapin to say, “I wanted to be out there dancing with you.”
Realtor Charlotte Terry and Roger O’Brien got a rousing roar of approval from the crowd for their saucy salsa of which Wygonik said, “Get me some chips ‘cause that salsa was hot and spicy!”
Mark Rodolicio, owner of Mark’s at the Pointe Salon and Boutique and partner Sandra Redfield took control of the stage with a combination Flamenco and Samba that the judges said showed he had enjoyed himself.
Joey Schlitt, sales and leasing agent for Coldwell Banker/Ed Schlitt, charmed the audience, even throwing a playful moonwalk into the urbanized American tango he performed with partner Beth Shestak.
Graceful and poised, realtor and interior designer Stacey Miller danced a slow, sexy bolero with partner Robert Scott, earning two perfect scores for a dance that Chapin pronounced, “lovely, lovely, lovely.”
Attorney Buck Vocelle and partner Amy Trammell were last to compete, ending the competition with a graceful rumba complete with lifts, which were applauded by the judges as impressive and well composed.
After an intermission of desserts during final vote tallying, the audience was treated to a showcase dance by judge Lance Sexton before the moment all had been waiting for arrived.
The judge’s prize for Top Dancer was awarded to Stacey Miller, and the Top Fundraiser award was earned by Dr. Glenn Tremml.
“Glenn raised $51,896; that’s double what we made in our first year,” Robinson said in admiration.
“You should all be so proud of yourselves for helping babies get a healthy start,” agreed Lloyd.
The trophy for Second Runner-up was awarded to Glenn Tremml and Karren Walter, the First Runner-up trophy went to Susanne Sweeny and Joseph Wynes, and the Grand Prize Winners were Charlotte Terry and Roger O’Brien.
Funds raised benefit the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition, which provides programs that guarantee all pregnant women have access to prenatal and infant services.