Ballroom Dancing For The Dogs!

The topped-ranked Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Buffalo Grove went to the dogs...and cats..during its Day for Animals fundraiser on Saturday, February 20, to benefit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

It was a chance to ChaCha for Chihuahuas, Tango for a Tabby, or Mambo for mutts. That day, the studio -- ranked top and fasting growing studio in the 140-location Fred Astaire organization -- donated the full cost of all lessons to ASPCA. In addition, the studio also offered a special Beginners Group Lesson at 5:45 p.m. that day, and turned over the suggested donation of $25 and up directly to ASPCA.

"It was a chance for those with 'two left feet' to help out the four-legged crowd, while having fun learning to dance along the way," said Jesse DeSoto, who with partner Jackie Josephs, operates the popular Fred Astaire Dance Studio at 404 West Half Day Road, in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

Area businesses also stepped forward to help, providing goodie bags filled with products, gift certificates and passes, as well as snacks and refreshments for all participants. All participants were eligible to enter a special drawing for a pair of tickets to The 101 Dalmatians Musical, running February 16-28 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago.