COLDWATER –  Mary Smith and Dan Lewis were awarded the coveted disco ball trophy at Saturday night’s “Dancing with the Celebrities” at the Tibbits Opera House.The audience gave the duo a standing ovation as the judges, Karen Hargreave, Flip Johnson and Karen Smith, gave them a perfect score of three 10s for their waltz.

 Four other dancing couples participated in the fourth annual Tibbits Boosters fundraiser: Ann and Tim Claar, Kara Hawley and Ethan Oberlin, Michelle and Bill Milnes, and Kali Wales and Colin Fraley. These couples danced, in order, the Argentine Tango, the Cha Cha, the Salsa and contemporary. Christine Lewis and Mary Roscoe were participants in the winning waltz.

 Booster President Diane Riegel said “Dancing” money over the past three years combined has totaled more than $15,000, which is donated to Tibbits. Riegel says early estimates place this year’s total raised to a little more than $3600. Winners are determined by the amount of money they raise by asking for monetary votes by placing canisters throughout Branch County for the past three months. Voting was also by on-line and at the night of the event.

 Last year’s first place winner Mary Gail Stevens danced with Mark Henderson because her 2010 partner was unable to perform due to health reasons. The Quinn School of Irish Dancing, in Marshall, also performed two dances to an appreciative audience. Sharon Duchi-Bloom was the Mistress of Ceremonies and kept the tone light and fun throughout the evening.

 There was more than just dancing performed on the opera house’s stage Saturday night. Comic relief was provided with EMT Jody Lewis with first aid, Doug Bloom handling the “Kiss and Kry” booth, and accountant Diana Butler handcuffed to the security task force of Bloom and Morris.