Sharon Duchi-Boom and Doug Bloom won first place Saturday night at the fifth annual “Dancing with the Celebrities” at the Tibbits Opera House.  The Blooms danced the Argentina Tango which won them the coveted, disco ball trophy beating out five other couples in the friendly competition on Sat., Sept. 15, 2012. The audience rewarded the duo with a huge round of applause when the three judges, Dixie Koenemann, Lisa Dove and Randall Hazelbaker gave them a perfect score of 30.

Five other dancing couples participated in the annual Tibbits Boosters fundraiser: Sharon Alexander and Mark Heydlauff, Ruth and Stephen Bortner, Erika Celeste and Mike Marturello, Kara Hawley and Ethan Oberlin, and Bridgett Taylor and Chris Russell.

Tibbits Booster President Diane Riegel said “Dancing” money over the past four 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 $4500. 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.

Other entertainment was provided by the 2011 first place winners Mary Smith and Dan Lewis dancing their winning waltz in the annual showcase dance. Quincy middle school students Merideth Michael and Victoria Waligora danced their routine to “The Evolution of Dance” which had previously won them second place in the Tibbits Teen Advisory Board 2012 talent show. A dancing flash mob materialized and performed to the Black Eyed Pea’s “I Gotta a Feeling” to a surprised and appreciative audience.

Mrs Michigan 2007 Laura Loveberry was the Mistress of Ceremonies and kept the audience laughing and enjoying all the festivities. Comic relief was provided by EMT Jody Lewis with first aid, Bill Milnes handling the “Kiss and Kry” booth, and the accountant Ginger Kessler, who was handcuffed to the security task force of Morris and Odom.

 The Boosters graciously thank Mary Gail and Ralph Stevens for sponsoring the Afterglow held in the Tibbits art gallery afterwards with Jacqui Lyon providing the wonderful punch. A big thank you to the dancing committee of: Karen Hargreave, Jacqui Lyon, Kay Riegel, Amy Fenner, Diane Riegel and Carolyn Stewart.