Benefit for Autism Non-profit Draws Star-studded Sports Crowd
Teachers at FADS
Bloomfield Hills have been working the stripes off a group of Detroit Tigers to
get them in shape for “Dancing With the All-Stars,” a huge benefit for Jack's
Place for Autism, a non-profit based in Southfield, MI. Despite Miguel Cabrera coming
up lame, the show went on, as it always must, at Joe Louis Arena in downtown
Detroit last night.
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| Left to right: Lada Reschikova, Ramon Santiago, Miguel Cabrera and Talia Barrington. Lada and Talia are pro dancers at Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Bloomfield Hills, MI Photo taken July 10, 2013 |
Baseball stars including Ramon Santiago and Andy Dirks whirled across the stage with their pro-partners, competing with each other to earn the most donations from the crowd. The pair that raised the most money for Jack's Place, Lada Reschikova and Ramon Santiago, were crowned ‘The Ultimate Dancing Detroit All-Stars.’
This is the second year
of this event and of the Bloomfield Hills studio’s participation. Evan
Mountain, studio owner and Lada’s husband, estimates that $250,000 was raised
last night to benefit Jack’s Place, an increase of $100,000 over the previous
show. The show sold out at 450 tickets
($300 each). “A fun time to be a studio owner and a Detroit Tigers fan!” Evan
said. “And it was great to see the players just relax.” And those players also
included audience members from the Detroit Red Wings hockey and Detroit Lions
football teams.
Unfortunately, Miguel
Cabrera’s injury prevented him from dancing at the last minute. Fortunately,
though, Bloomfield Hills teacher Jordan Cowan was there to take his place (this
probably wouldn’t have worked so well in a baseball game!), so Miguel walked on
the stage, handed Jordan his jersey, and left Jordan and his regular
pro-partner, Talia Barrington (the pair won American Closed Novice at FAWC) to
their own devices. Jordan was thrilled with Miguel’s jersey, as well the ‘go
get ‘em, Tiger’ pat he gave Jordan’s behind! Since he couldn’t dance, Miguel
pulled out his wallet instead and donated generously to the cause through his
purchase of $4,000 Dancing With The Stars tickets and a few other pricey items!
The benefit was emceed
by Bernie Smilovitz, a local sports announcer, and Torii Hunter, right fielder
for Detroit. Special performances were given by Jonathan Roberts & Chelsie
Hightower of DWTS fame. Here’s last
night’s competition line up and the link to read more:
Miguel Cabrera - Detroit
Tigers Third Baseman
Ana Sanchez - Wife of
Anibal Sanchez - Detroit Tigers Pitcher
Andy Dirks - Detroit
Tigers Outfielder
Erica May - Fiancé of
Max Scherzer - Detroit Tigers Starting Pitcher
Shannon Hogan - Fox
Sports Detroit - Reporter and Host
Kelly Hall - Girlfriend
of Matthew Stafford - Detroit Lions Quarterback
Ramon Santiago - Detroit
Tigers Second Baseman
Mary Elizabeth Broyles -
Wife of Ryan Broyles - Detroit Lions Wide Receiver
Diana Larionov -
Daughter of Igor Larionov - Detroit Red Wings 3x Stanley Cup Champion
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