Dancing with the Stars…for a Good Cause

Tony Dovolani and Elena Grinenko from DWTS were the headliners at a benefit called “Dancing with Desire 2009” this past Saturday night.  NWF Daily News describes the cause and who benefits (excerpt below).

Desire Street Ministries was founded in 1990 when Mo and Ellen Leverett moved into the neighborhood surrounding the Desire Housing Project in the Upper Ninth Ward of New Orleans. This area has often rated one of the worst in the nation for crime, drugs and poverty.

In 2002, the ministry opened Desire Street Academy for African-American junior and senior high males, in a new multi-purpose ministry, school and recreation facility built on the same property.

Topping the bill were Tony Dovolani and Elena Grinenko from the TV show “Dancing With the Stars.” Top-notch local talent was provided by U.S. ballroom champs Eric Luna and Georgia Ambarian, as well as medal winners Jesse Benedetti and Kimalee Piedad. Kelly Madison from Chapel of the Cross contributed several powerful and moving vocals.

“Dancing already involves a lot of emotions,” Dovolani said at practice, “but when you know you’re doing it for a great cause, every movement, every count, every look matters, because you’re helping to change someone’s life.”

Tony and Elena also taught a group class (apparently). Lots and lots of pictures here for the Tony and Elena Fans.

Tony Dovolani

I hope to have more on the charity-driven endeavors of several of our pros this past weekend.