Posted on May 25, 2021 by Heather Adams

Dancing with the Reading Stars 10th Anniversary Winners Announced

by Yocum Institute for Arts Education

Dancing with the Reading Stars 10th Anniversary Winners Announced

The Yocum Institute for Arts Education announces the winners of the 10th anniversary of their popular fundraising event, Dancing with the Reading Stars, which occurred on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Stokesay Castle, 141 Stokesay Castle Lane, Reading, PA 19606.

Inspired by the hit television show, this annual event showcases “stars” representing Berks County’s diverse community at a fun-filled and inspiring evening. The dance pairs dance and raise money to further Yocum’s mission to provide arts education throughout the county.

This year presents a very special opportunity. The Henry Family is generously matching all donations, dollar-for-dollar, to help offset the loss of funds due to 2020’s cancelled event. Yocum’s programs directly impact more than 30,000 people each year. Money raised through Dancing with the Reading Stars supports on-going operations, scholarships, productions, and many outreach programs – half of which are provided at little or no cost.

Eleven dance pairs are participating this year, and each pair was excited for their live debut on Stokesay’s ballroom dance floor on Saturday, May 22. This year’s star couples were: Shawn Barczynski and Nicole Vega; MaCherie Dunbar and Bethany Bower; Guy and Ryan Griffin Silveri; Amy and Jason Hendrix; Holly James and Chris Madara; Emily and Dillon Kenniston Jmilee and JR Koch; Ginelle and Eric Miller; Kate Peires and Tim Greusel; Helene Reeser and Erich Cawalla; Ethan Blakeney and Emma Flammer our Exhibition Dancers.

Funding was raised through sponsorships, donations and votes for the dance pairs. Votes were cast in $10 increments. Recognition is given for the “Fan Favorite,” “Virtual Fan Favorite,” and Grand Champions 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place based on the pairs who raise the most funds. New this year we also have the Comeback Kid Award which went to the dance pair who had the greatest increase in funding between today, May 7, and the end of the event on May 22.

AND THE WINNERS ARE:
Audience Favorite – in-person: JR and Emilee Koch
Audience Favorite – virtual: Guy and Ryan Griffin-Silveri
Comeback Kid Award: Helene Reeser and Erich Cawalla
Grand Champion 3rd : MaCherie Dunbar and Bethany Bower
Grand Champion 2nd: Helene Reeser and Erich Cawalla
Grand Champion 1st: JR and Emilee Koch

The dance pairs were able to raise over $92,000 to further Yocum’s mission to provide arts education throughout the county. The Henry Family is generously matching all donations, dollar-for-dollar plus an additional $38,000 to bring our grand total to $222,000.

You Might Also Like

Community Testimonials

Wish my town had a channel like this, very cool idea to bring the community together and give people a platform.

James

I wanted to thank you again for the opportunity you have created for our kids.  This experience is more than the TV show.  Eight students who probably never would have talked to each other were excited to execute a plan. Know that you make a difference.

Kristi

Thanks for your commitment to communication far and wide, for your technical support, and tireless efforts to bring fresh programs to BCTV. Bravo!

Liz

Thank you for always being receptive to my ideas. All of your efforts help me to help others and that is a blessing to me.

Adrean

Fantastic work and thanks so much for the quick turnaround!  Always a pleasure to work with you and the rest of the BCTV team!

Jim

Thank you and your staff for all you do to accommodate so many different shows, personalities, etc.!  Can’t be easy, but we really do appreciate it.

Martha

I am happy and proud to be a part of such a dedicated assembly of talent and purpose. Thank you for being a part of my efforts to promote theater and the arts in this region.

David