Dancing With the Local Stars marks new fundraising record

Hudson’s Bay — Jason Hudson of solid-waste services company Waste Connections Inc. and his dance partner were crowned champions of the Fort Vancouver National Trust’s Dancing With the Local Stars fundraising event on Sept. 10. Based on the format of the popular ABC TV program, eight local “stars” were partnered with Arthur Murray Dance Studio instructors and taught routines. Hudson performed a country polka with his partner, Shirah Walker. Community members voted for their favorite dancer with their dollars online and at the event. The team that raised the most money was declared the winner. The event, which was presented by Waste Connections, raised nearly $121,000, the largest amount in the event’s six-year history. Proceeds from the competition will support the trust’s programs at the Fort Vancouver National Site. Other dancers and their awards were Gilda Ciraulo of Westby Associates Inc., Best Technical Performance; Tina Olson, a Clark County Executive Horse Council’s Adopt a Horse program volunteer, Best Costume; Jennifer Rhoads of First Independent Bank, Best Overall Performance; D’Alene White of Clark County Juvenile Court, Most Creative Performance; Albert Angelo III of Al Angelo Co., Most Outrageous; Rod Cook of Alpine Auto Body, Best Natural Talent; Paul Montague III of Identity Clark County, Best Entrance. To see photos of the event, visit http://www.columbian.com/photos/galleries.