Saint Mary’s director of conferencing, camps to compete in Dancing with Winona Stars

WINONA, Minn. — Forty local “stars” — including Terrie Lueck, Saint Mary’s University’s director of conferencing and camps — are getting ready to dance the night away for charity this summer during the third annual Dancing with Winona Stars Saturday, Aug. 13, at SMU’s Gostomski Fieldhouse. The pre-show begins at 7 p.m., and the competition begins at 7:30 p.m.

Lueck and her dance partner Kenyatta Blount will dance freestyle to “2012 (It ain’t the end)” by Jay Sean and Nicki Minaj.

Lueck is raising money for the First-Generation Initiative at Saint Mary’s University.

The First-Generation Initiative is designed to offer full scholarship, academic and personal support to first-generation college students from under-resourced communities. As part of this initiative, support structures have been put in place at SMU so that students may reach their full potential and complete their bachelor’s degrees. Thirteen First-Generation students have completed their first year of studies at SMU; this fall the university will welcome 16 additional students.

“I went into this thinking I would be dancing ballroom style. Dancing freestyle is a challenge for me because it’s out of my comfort zone, but that seems very appropriate considering the challenges of the First-Generation students I am raising money for,” Lueck said.

“The students I am representing are also moving beyond their comfort zone as they come to Saint Mary’s as first-generation college students in their families. They don’t have the benefit of asking family members how to prepare for the experience. Some have never left home, some have language barriers, many struggle economically and some are socially challenged.

“This has been a lot of hard work, just as it will be in the fall for these First-Generation students,” she said. “I hope they find it to be as enjoyable as I have!”

Half of the proceeds from the event benefit the non-profit selected by each “star.” The remaining 50 percent supports members of the Competition Dance Team at Gotta Dance.
Votes are $1 apiece. You can cast your vote with the star, through the charity (like First-Generation Initiative at Saint Mary's University), or with a Gotta Dance competition student or parent, or mail your vote to Gotta Dance/DWWS 1733 Service Dr, Winona, MN 55987.

Checks for both tickets and votes should be made out to Gotta Dance. For charitable giving, you can write in the memo line, for example, “50% for First-Generation Initiative.” This memo should be noted ONLY for checks made out for votes. Ticket sales do not apply to this charitable status. Voting canisters are also located at various locations throughout the community.

Last year over 1,000 people attended the show and more than $10,000 was raised for local charities.

This year’s event will feature 11 individual stars dancing with Gotta Dance Instructors and five star groups that will be performing a variety of styles from rhumba to hip hop.

General admission is $10 in advance or $20 at the door. Seating starts at 7 p.m. Early admission is $25 and includes admission from 5 to 6:30 p.m., hors d’oeuvres and access to a cash bar. Reserved tables are available for $250. This price includes seating for eight, early admission, hors d’oeuvres and the cash bar.

For more information, visit www.dancingwithwinonastars.com or call Gotta Dance at (507) 474-7077.