Dancing for the Little Stars

Tulsa Advocates for the Protection of Children (TAPC) is excited to present “Dancing for Little Stars”

Marsha Hackler of TAPC in the OU Schusterman Center – on a floor made perfectly for dancing.

Tulsa Advocates for the Protection of Children (TAPC) is excited to present “Dancing for Little Stars” on Saturday, April 17 in the OU Schusterman Center at 6:30 p.m. According to Marsha Hackler of TAPC, this is the 9th annual awareness benefiting Tulsa’s abused and neglected children, but it is the first benefit of this variety.

“We have had fundraisers every year, but we were looking for one that would generate more interest in this difficult economy,” says Marsha. “I got on the Internet and researched this type of event, and found it had been a great success in several cities, including Atlanta and Savannah.” TAPC chose the Schusterman Center because its meeting room has a round design and inlaid wood and marble floor, judged by local dance instructors to be perfect for dancing.

The event, based on the popular television series “Dancing with the Stars,” will feature local amateur dancers paired up with area dance studio instructors, who will compete before a panel of three judges: Pat Cremin of Hall Estill Law Firm, Ginny Creveling of Folds of Honor, and Charles Faudree of Charles Faudree Interiors. Dancers include Jana Love of Bill Lohrey and Associates, Lori Selby of Mazzio’s Corporation, Maria Palacios of Williams Companies, and Aaron Vokoun, sponsored by Jerry and Julie Gustafson. Carole Lambert, news anchor of KTUL Channel 8 in Tulsa and longtime host of “Waiting Child,” will serve as master of ceremonies at the event, and Jason Casey Productions will provide deejay service for the entire evening.

The evening will kick off with a silent auction and cocktail party from 6:30 to 7 p.m., followed by food served at four different restaurant stations. At 7:45, exhibition entertainment will open up for the main attraction at 8:30, when the five dancing teams will begin their competition. At 9:30, the voting will commence, with more exhibition entertainment in the interim. Finally at 10 p.m., the winners will be announced, after which the floor will be opened up for dancing.  

“We have had some excellent help with event planning and choreography from Strictly Ballroom, John Sawyer, and Jane Butts Events and Interiors,” Marsha reports. “And we have several sponsorship levels.” Levels include Ballroom, which features preferred seating for ten and chilled champagne on the table, as well as inclusion in all event publicity; Waltz, which is the same as Ballroom, except it includes seating for six rather than ten; Swing, which includes preferred seating for four and inclusion in all event publicity; and Tango, which includes preferred seating for two and inclusion in all event publicity. Individual tickets are also available. All proceeds will benefit TAPC, which partners with Oklahoma DHS “to improve the lives of used and neglected children in Tulsa County through advocacy, resource development, service provision and community outreach.” In addition, “Dancing for Little Stars” will honor Bill Lohrey, Child Partner Award recipient.

For more information, contact

Tulsa Advocates for the Protection of ­Children

(918) 260-9455