by guest contributor Tara Chantal Silver
Photo credit: Alfredo Flores
“We are thrilled to bring DC’s Dancing Stars Gala back for a second year and support life-changing organizations within the DC metro region,” said Maria Coakley David who went on to say: “This is a one of a kind event and we’re excited for guests to watch our dancers hard work and dedication pay off while raising money and awareness for five wonderful causes.”
Kathy Doody, CJ Coakley, Maria Coakley David and Nicola Doody
Over 350 dance enthusiasts, philanthropists and community leaders attended the 2nd annual DC’s Dancing Stars Gala at the Hyatt Regency in Tysons Corner. Every guest arrived looking like a star as they sipped on cocktails while awaiting the extravagant ballroom dancing competition.
Julie Donaldson, CSN MidAtlantic & Vincent De Paul Actor (Co-Hosts) – Best known for his work in Silver Case, Broken, The Artist, and Mad Men, among many more.
Gala co-chairs and Fred Astaire Dance Studio Fairfax owners Maria Coakley David and Jim David and special co-host Emmy Award-winning actor and producer Vincent De Paul brought together DC celebrities and professional dancers from their studio to perform together in front of a lucky audience to raise both funds and awareness for five local charities: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, T.A.P.S., Marymount University, Our Military Kids, and The Code of Support Foundation. This year’s event raised over $185,000!
Andy Baldwin & Katya Naiman
Local stars such as ABC’s The Bachelor Andrew Baldwin; ABC7 Emmy Winning Anchor, Jummy Olabanji; and National Political Media Commentator, Caleb Bonam shined on the dance floor. The guests watched in awe as the performers twirled and glided across the floor.
Judges Chelsie Hightower (ABC’s Dancing with the Stars), Lamont Easter (House of Cards), and Shane Lewis (Naked and Afraid), along with the audience, voted on the dance performances.
Guests dined on Beef Tenderloin while watching the stars dance at this black tie event – the ultimate dinner show. The live auction was a huge hit. One of the items included a private dance lesson with local stars Andy Baldwin and Caleb Bonham which sold for $2,100! After the live auction, judges announced the president of Marymount University Dr. Matt Shank and his partner Katya Naiman as the winning pair and awarded them the 2015 Mirror Ball Trophy and $10,000 to donate to the charity of their choice! Matt and Katya won, WUSA9 reporter, Larry Miller and his partner, Katherine Hayes, won the judges choice trophy.
Katya and Matt
Showcasing this year’s talent included:
➢ Lola Reinsch: Successful real estate guru and philanthropist
Guests were then invited to fill the dance floor to the tunes of the live band Radio City and party the night away with the celebrities and Fred Astaire Fairfax professional dancers. Thanks to gala sponsors Fred Astaire Fairfax, C. J. Coakley Co., Inc., Booz Allen Hamilton and E. G. Reinsch.
