Pearson Air Museum's Third Annual "Dancing with the Local Stars" Raises $61,000;
Rick Takach wins competition by raising largest donation total
Kyle Kihs, Director of Pearson Air Museum, has reported that Saturday's Dancing with the Local Stars event was attended by 350 people and raised $61,000 for the aviation museum. Kyle noted that this year's donations far exceeded last year's $17,000. Kihs said, "We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support for our museum programs."
Based on the format of the popular TV program, four local "stars" were partnered with experienced dancers from Arthur Murray Dance studio and were taught dance routines. The evening's "stars" were Vesta Hospitality President Rick Takach, Beaches Manager Ali Novinger, SEH Vancouver CEO Tatsou Ito and Northwest Personal Training owner Sherri McMillan. Judges Susan Courtney, Katie Willis and Bob Knight provided colorful commentary during each dance. The winner is the dancer who brings in the most votes through charitable donations. This year's winner was Rick Takach. His partner was dance instructor Amanda Kay.
Elson Strahan, President of Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust, the organization that manages Pearson Air Museum expressed his thanks to the dancers. "Clearly, the success of this event was directly attributable to the dedication of our contestants. This will have a tremendously beneficial impact on the Pearson Air Museum."
Background: Pearson Air Museum, 1115 East Fifth Street in Vancouver, is located on the Vancouver National Historic Reserve just east of historic Fort Vancouver. The museum interprets the early aviation era history of Pearson Field, one of the oldest continuously operating airfields in the country. For more information contact Pearson Air Museum at 360-694-7026.
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In the above photo taken at Pearson Air Museum's Dancing with the Local Stars event on Saturday, winners Rick Takach, president of Vesta Hospitality, and his partner Amanda Kay, an Arthur Murray dance instructor, strut their disco moves. (Photo credit: Bill Alley)
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