Lourdes Relay For Life Team Raises Record $215,000 at Dancing with Our Stars

Lourdes’ Relay For Life team broke another fundraising record Saturday night at the 6th annual Dancing with Our Stars event at Harrah’s in Metropolis, IL.

The event pairs local celebrities with professional dance instructors. This year’s judges included Johnette Worak, WPSD/Local 6 Anchor, Dr. Daniel Howard, Lourdes General Surgeon, and Dr. Carl LeBuhn.

Through sponsorships, a silent auction, ticket sales, and the lively “voting” for dancers, the Lourdes team has already raised a record-setting $215,000 for the American Cancer Society, with more money still expected.

This year’s top honors went to Cindy Erickson and Jay Brasher (pictured above), second place honors went to Rick Leeper and Terrie White, and Joanie Waldon and Todd Jordan took third.

Winners are awarded based upon the amount of money raised for the American Cancer Society.

Rita Bailey, registered dietician at Lourdes and volunteer coordinator for the event, said the success was the result of contributions by many generous individuals and businesses.  “This overwhelming support from our community has well exceeded my expectations,” says Bailey.  “We have such wonderful support from our sponsors, volunteers – including all the dancers and instructors who give of their time.   It takes hundreds of hard-working, dedicated volunteers to achieve this level of success, and we are so thankful for each and every one.”

In 2011, Lourdes Relay For Life team was named 4th in the nation for team fundraising and 1st in the state of Kentucky.  Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity.  Last year’s event raised $138,500.