Local community ‘Stars’ dance off for education
EL CENTRO — The 11th annual Dancing with the Stars Gala hosted by Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Program Community Foundation was held Friday night at St. Mary’s Church here and showcased the dance skills of various community leaders while benefiting a great cause.
The gala raises funds for education scholarships through the IVROPCF Educational Scholarship Fund, which aims to provide scholarships to local students attending a career technical school, community college or a university within the United States.
In the 2016-17 school year, IVROPCF raised $11,250, which was divided among 15 scholarship award recipients.
Recipients of the scholarships were students from Imperial, Central Union, Desert Valley, Brawley Union, Southwest, Calexico and Holtville highs.
This year saw a total of seven community “Stars” dancing in the event, including Brawley Chamber of Commerce President Theresa M. Robertson, Imperial Valley College Vice President of Student Services Dr. Martha Garcia and Calexico Unified School District Director of Alternative Education John Moreno.
Also participating were Duggins Construction Vice President Oscar Grijalva, El Centro City Councilman Edgard Garcia, El Centro Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Dr. Adolphe Edward and the owner of The Original Town Pump and Brownie’s Diner, Juanita Rebollar.
Master of Ceremony for the event was Ryan D. Childers. Judges for the competition were Joe Montenegro, Terri Rogers, Jessica Brooks and a judge seat that was up for auction during the event was won by Steve Walker.