People’s Choice Winner Lindy Dorminy Bengston with pro Seth Griner.

TIFTON — Philanthropic South Georgia residents raised nearly $152,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter at Dancing Stars of South Georgia on April 29. 

The event took place at the UGA Conference Center and mirrored the popular TV show “Dancing with the Stars,” pairing local South Georgia residents with professional dancers to raise money by gaining votes in a one-night gala dance competition.

Star dancer Blonese Johnson and professional dancer Aaron Mack took home the Judges’ Choice Award after earning a perfect score of 35, while star Lindy Dorminy Bengston with pro Seth Griner took home the People’s Choice Award for raising the most money, totaling over $33,000.

All in all, the 10 Georgia-based celebrities collectively raised nearly $152,000.

“I am so honored to have been a part of this tremendous event,” said People’s Choice Award Winner Lindey Dorminy Bengston. “Learning about the disease and how many people it affects has been really eye opening. I will continue to support the Alzheimer’s Association for as long as I can. The staff of Angela Williamson, Dan Phillips and Buffy Hankinson was incredible. Their leadership and dedication led to the success of this event. As well as all of my fellow dancers who were amazing and determined to make a difference. We pushed each other to raise more money than has ever been raised at a Dancing Stars of South Georgia and for that we should all be very proud.”

Dancers of the 2017 Dancing Stars of South Georgia included Lindy Bengston, Dr. Bill Buntin, Neil Clements, Melody Cowart, Wes Ehlers, Blonese Johnson, Griffin Martin, Terri Martin, Jennifer Spring and Eric Wisham.

Event hosts included Karla Heath-Sands, news anchor at WALB-TV, and Tyron Spearman, editor of the Peanut Farm Market News. Judges were Carolyn Ellis, local dance studio owner, and Michael Purvis, past star dancer and CEO of Cook Medical Center.

“We are truly blessed with these 10 dancers and how much they raised for the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Susan Aldana, vice president of development, Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter. “Georgia will be hit especially hard over the next year with new diagnoses, and the money raised from this year’s event will not only go towards a research for a cure, but it will help fund the free programs and services we offer to those affected by Alzheimer’s in the South Georgia area.”

The South Georgia community can still continue to donate to Dancing Stars of South Georgia through June 1.

To donate, visit dancingstarsofsouthgeorgia.com.