BROWNSTOWN
Once a year, the football players exchange their cleats for dancing shoes.
After their practice, and coaching duties with the middle and elementary school kids, five members of the Brownstown Central football team make their way to Tammy’s Dance Studio.
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Before the bright lights shine at Blevins Memorial Stadium, they will take to the stage to put on a performance.
On Saturday, Brownstown Central will host its third annual Dancing with the Stars fundraiser at the high school auditorium.
The event, which raised more than $10,000, supports the Braves’ football program.
Tammy Lewis, the owner of the studio, helped start the event.
This year, Lewis turned the fundraiser over to Lee Ann Borden, who helped out last year.
“This year, we changed it a little bit and let the boys choose their partners,” Borden said. “We have one set of partners that are brother and sister.
“The rest are just dancing with friends or girlfriends. I thought it would make them more comfortable, and so far it has gone really well.
“I think people come out because it’s so different. Brownstown comes out to support their athletics anyway as a community. But I think that having the boys get involved in something is great. For some, it’s so out of their comfort zone, and I think the community has enjoyed coming and watching them have fun.”
Noah Reynolds, an incoming junior on the football team, decided to come back to compete again this year.”
“It’s a lot of fun but also a lot of work,” Reynolds said. “It’s physically demanding. I did it last year, and it was a lot of fun, so I figured why not do it again. We started working on a routine, and then we added a bunch of lifts — it spiced it up some.”
Sophomore Kimberly Griffin, Reynolds’ partner, came out this year because some of her friends are also competing.
“We’re really nervous, but know it will be a lot of fun,” she said.
“It brings everyone together in the community.”
The event will start at 6 p.m. with a silent auction, leading up to the show at 7 p.m.
After the teams perform, the audience will have a chance to pledge money on their favorite performance. Whoever raises the most money will emerge as the champion.
Last year, the football team purchased new ponchos with the monies raised.
“It’s a really good fundraiser for the program,” Borden said.
“We have our eyes on some things this year to upgrade the equipment.”
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.
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Five duos will take the stage at this year’s Dancing with the Stars fundraiser:
Devin Stuckwisch and Haylee Barker
Lance Goecker and Madison Turner
Gavin Bane and Sammie Bane
Joe Barnes and Jaelyn Perry
Noah Reynolds and Kimberly Griffin
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