For the City Times

Local celebrities and seasoned dancers will pair up on June 22 for an energetic dance competition to benefit the “Hope is Building” campaign.

The event begins at 6 PM at the Pfiffner Pioneer Park Bandshell, and will serve as the opening act of the Levitt AMP Stevens Point Music Series.

Much like the celebrated reality show, which has sparked renewed interest in ballroom dancing, this live-action competition will pair local stars with area dance professionals to vie for bragging rights and a trophy. Stars will dance the Foxtrot, waltz, Jitter Bug, Lindy hop, and more for a show that is fun and exciting to watch.

Participating local stars include Mayor Mike Wiza; Branka Dudas, owner of STORM Elite All Stars; and trivia guru Jim “Oz” Oliva.

Professional dance partners include Kayla Dziak, Randall Reif, and Marilyn Greiner.

To encourage early competition, each pair of dancers will collect donations online at dancingforhope.org. By visiting the website and donating to individual competitors, community members can cast votes for their favorite local star. Donations will also be accepted in-person at the event.

Each dollar donated will count as one vote. All proceeds raised will benefit the “Hope is Building” campaign in support of the new Breast Care Center at Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point.

The event is open to the general public and free to attend.

River Cities Jazz Big Band will provide live music for the competition.

A free concert — with an open dance floor — featuring new Milwaukee jazz trio Stomata will immediately follow.

Chef C’s Munchie Mobile, Hanuman Express, and local beer and root beer will be available for purchase at the event.

Through a grant secured by CREATE Portage County, the Levitt AMP Stevens Point Music Series will feature 12 free live music concerts on Thursdays at the band shell at Pfiffner Pioneer Park this summer. The series is supported in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, a private foundation that empowers towns and cities across America to transform underused public spaces into thriving destinations through the power of free, live music.

In 2017, more than 450 free Levitt concerts will take place in 22 towns and cities, all featuring a rich array of music genres and high caliber talent. To see the full line-up, visit levittamp.org/stevenspoint.

‘Dancing With Your Stars’ is produced by Transcribing Dance Company and CREATE Portage County, in partnership with Levitt Foundation, AIR Project, and Ministry Hope is Building campaign.

For more information or to cast your vote, please visit dancingforhope.org.