Former Celebrity Dance Winner Betty Ward Is Honorary Chair For 2nd Annual “Dancing For The Arts” Gala

Bel Air, MD (August 3, 2009) – Community organizer, Betty Ward graciously agreed to be the Honorary Chair of the 2nd Annual “Dancing for the Arts” Gala.

Mrs. Ward was a celebrity dancer at the event last year and won the “Top Fundraiser” and “People’s Choice” Awards. Mrs. Ward said that she has always loved to dance and her rendition of the foxtrot, complete with a spinning lift, won the hearts of the viewers who cast their votes in the “Peoples Choice” category after the competition was broadcast on Harford Cable for three months. Mrs. Ward is pictured recently accepting the People’s Choice Award being presented by Jim Butcher, founder, former president, and member of the Center for the Arts Board of Trustees. Betty Ward, the wife of the late Walter Ward and the mother of Jennifer Ward Reynolds and Bob Ward has been very active as a community volunteer for many years.

This years “Dancing For the Arts” fundraiser will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 7 pm. until midnight at the Residents’ Club at Bulle Rock. The emcee for the evening is Jamie Costello, ABC2 News Anchor for Good Morning Maryland. The Gala will feature Harford County “Stars” who will showcase their ballroom dancing talents and compete for top honors of the evening. This very special event will include a silent auction, open bar, sumptuous dinner, decadent desserts, and a dancing competition with our Harford “Stars”. The theme is IMAGINE-A CENTER FOR THE ARTS!

The Harford “Stars” include:

*Lyle Sheldon, President/CEO Upper Chesapeake Health
*Wini Roche, Harford County Tourism Manager
*Jesse Bane, Harford County Sheriff
*Betsy Campion, President Campion Insurance, Inc.
*Jay Young, Attorney/Principal, Brown, Brown & Young
*Mary Dulany-James, Delegate Maryland General Assembly
*Alan Doran, Director of Quality Assurance & Loss Prevention, Hess Hotels
*Joan Henderson Hodous, Painter/Poet/Author
*Patti Dresher, Personal Trainer The Arena Club

Dancing With Friends will choreograph the dances and instruct the dancers individually for three months prior to the competition.

The dancers were asked why they agreed to be a celebrity dancer:

“I believe this center to be essential and the time is now! We live in a cosmopolitan area which can support it, and artists of all disciplines badly need this stage to display, perform, and teach. Besides, I love to dance-arthritis and all.” – Joan Henderson Hodous

“I think it is important for all of our citizens to have a permanent home for the Arts in Harford County. That way, we can all have easy access to a variety of cultural, civic, and other events that can serve to educate, enlighten, and enliven our lives in our great County.” – Alan Doran

“I think it is important to support the arts in our local community. The Center for the Arts fosters educational and creative opportunities and serves as a vital part of this area.” – Delegate Mary Dulany-James

“It is in keeping with my sense of civic responsibility and community service. I want to be part of the initiative that brings a first class Center for the Arts to Harford County.” – Sheriff Jesse Bane

“The arts are an important part of education and life. It is important that there be access to the arts on a local level. We have a vibrant arts community in Harford County which needs a home.” – Jay Young

“I’m a huge fan of the arts in Harford County and have no problem embarrassing or exploiting myself for a good cause.! – Wini Roche

“I believe a Center for the Arts is needed in Harford County . There are many groups who could benefit from this Center. The community and business groups are supporting this Center for the Arts.” – Betsy Campion

“I was asked to support this very worthy cause which will enhance the quality of life in Harford County!” – Lyle Sheldon

“I believe an art center would promote awareness and stimulate interest in the arts. The Center for the Arts would also foster individual creativity as well as allow our community to showcase the variety of arts and cultural activities offered locally.” – Patti Dresher

Do you have a heart for the arts? Businesses have the opportunity to spotlight their company through sponsorships, advertising, and auction donations. Claudia Holman and Eric McLauchlin are the Co-Chairs of the Business Sponsorship Gala Team. They both participated as celebrity dancers at the 2008 Gala. Claudia was awarded the “Judges Choice Award” the evening of the Gala. Contact Eric or Claudia about sponsorships at cholman@apgfcu.com or EMclauchlin@gsmallaw.com For additional information about the event contact Lyndi Richards at (410) 838-2177 or at Lyndi@CenterForTheArtsHarford.org