by Rebecca Hightower
President of the University of West Georgia Dr. Kyle Marrero and his dance pro partner Kelly Bell were crowned champions of the Carroll for a Cause event presented by Oak Mountain Academy on Saturday, November 8. The event is modeled after the hit TV show Dancing with the Stars on ABC and included local celebrities such as radio hosts, business owners, educators, law enforcement, and community volunteers. Besides Dr. Marrero and Kelly, there were eight other pairs competing, each one made up of a local celebrity and a professional dancer.
Dancers raised money for charities that included the Carroll County Child Advocacy Center, Carroll County Mentor Program, LIFT (Literacy for Today and Tomorrow), and Carroll County CASA, among others. The winning pair received a mirror ball trophy, similar to the one on the TV show Dancing with the Stars. Dr. Marrero danced for the University of West Georgia Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to financially assisting students in their pursuit of educational achievement.
"I had great fun practicing for and dancing at the Carroll for a Cause event sponsored and organized by Oak Mountain Academy,” explained Dr. Marrero. “Need-based scholarships are critical to the success of UWG students. I appreciate everyone who supported not only UWG, but also all the important causes represented. The community involvement with and excitement for this event has been truly inspiring."
Dr. Marrero was in great company with his professional dance partner. Kelly is the owner, artistic director and instructor of Southern Dance Precision, a 3600 square foot dance facility located in Villa Rica. With over 25 years of training, she has won multiple awards for choreography and is active in Atlanta area community events.
Celebrities that danced Saturday for charity included: Sheila J. Butler, owner of Sheila J. Butler and Company, Inc.; Bobby Gaines, co-host of the "Bobby and Jimmy Show" on WKNG AM 1060; Paula Gillispie, head of school of Oak Mountain Academy; Terry Langley, Carroll County sheriff; Tracy Lewis-Martin, director at the Carroll County Child Advocacy Center; Haven Kimball Morgan, staffing consultant of Randstad USA; Derick Newton, financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments; and Fred O’Neal, financial advisor with Edward Jones.
For more information on the event or the stars and their respective charities please visit www.oakmountain.us/carrollforacause.cfm. To watch a video of the entire event, please visit www.youtube.com.
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