Who are these brave Hermistonians who dare to take the stage in ruffles, sequins and glory during the third annual Dancing with Hermiston Stars? What motivated them to volunteer for this popular and live production? When asked, they all said the same thing – that they were proud to represent the city of Hermiston and advocate for charities that are near and dear to their hearts.
Eric Reise
Reise, a Hermiston native, will be grooving his way across the dance floor as he dances for the Hermiston Rotary Club Foundation. Reise has selected the Rotary Club as his charity because the foundation is used to support ongoing local projects such as the Christmas Express and local college scholarships.
In addition, Reise says it allows the club to fund special projects such as a children’s learning area at Martha’s House or other local needs as they arise. He appreciates how most donated funds could be matched by Rotary International which could double the impact.
When asked why he volunteer the Reise said “It’s pretty simple really – if everyone helped the person to the left of them and sometimes to the right, the world would be a better place.”
Erica Sandoval
Sandoval, Hermiston Police Department crime prevention specialist, will attempt to dance into the hearts of the Hermiston community as she dances to raise money for the Hermiston Education Foundation.
The HEF supports teachers and staff in our community from all grades to help enhance their students’ education. The decision to campaign for this particular charity is a personal one, she said.
“Programs like TAG, choir, band, technology clubs, Battle of the Books, math competitions and the teachers and staff who facilitate them were instrumental in keeping me, this poor migrant student, engaged and motivated to strive for success, education and serving my hometown,” she said. “We need to build our children and lift them up to grow into compassionate, loving, innovative adults to make our world a better place.”
Kristi Smalley
Smalley, vice president of the Arc of Umatilla County, will spice up dance floor to raise funds and awareness for the empowering work of the Arc.
When Kristi’s daughter was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 1993, she sought out resources to support her daughter and family. The Arc provided them with many of the necessary resources to facilitate a happy and meaningful life, by helping to remove roadblocks, and allowing all people to feel fully included in their communities. Kristi wants to pay it forward, not just for those with autism, but for everyone with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“I dance for the hundreds of people in our county who have no voice and yearn for a chance to show what they are capable of doing to make our world a better place where all people are valued,” she said.
John Wambeke
Wambeke, entrepreneur, founder of the Hermiston’s Own Farmer’s Market, and a self-proclaimed objector to the harsh Canadian winters, has been a resident of Hermiston for the past 27 years.
Two seasons ago, Wambeke supported his wife, Jordawn, as she appeared under the alias “Sophie” in the very first Hermiston Dancing with Your Stars. Wambeke is dancing for the Hermiston Band Boosters, who work with both middle and high schools to provide instruments for students, bring in clinicians, and send students to band competitions.They are currently fundraising to send the entire HHS marching band to San Diego in December 2015 to play in the college football Holiday Bowl.
“It’s an expensive event, at $1,000 per student, but these band kids deserve an experience of a lifetime,” he said.
Dawn Kennison-Kerrigan
Kennison-Kerrigan, Desert View Elementary teacher, will light up the stage and warm the audience’s hearts are she puts all of her energy into dancing for the Hermiston Warming Station.
Kennison-Kerrigan believes everyone deserves somewhere warm to sleep no matter what the circumstances.
The Hermiston Warming Station provides a safe place for those who are without shelter during the winter months.
When reflecting on her charity, Dawn shared a quote from Vivian Greene, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s learning to dance in the rain.”
Dave Smith
Smith, entrepreneur and owner of O So Kleen, is a local kid who came home to Hermiston. Smith loves giving back and serving the community that gave so much to him, and now his family.
He has chosen to represent Hermiston Campus Life when he takes the stage doing his very best to win votes for his charity. In deciding which charity he would dance for, Dave explained his selection had only two criteria: it had to impact kids, and it must have a financial “need.” The past couple of years have been challenging for Campus Life, and he aims to help strengthen their endeavors to serve the youth of Hermiston.
Dancing with Hermiston Stars will take place on Jan. 10 at the Hermiston Conference Center.
