Raven fundraiser draws capacity crowd
The 8th annual Dancing with the Stars at the Raven was an outstanding success on Saturday night with an exuberant and generous audience that helped raise significant funds for the non-profit theater. The event is patterned after the popular TV show and pairs local amateur “Stars” and professional dancers.
Taking Grand Prize in the competition was the team of Shannon Hausman and John Ross. (A clerical error mistakenly bestowed that honor at the event to another couple.) Fans and supporters joined Shannon and John at an awards ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the Raven where the trophy was officially presented to the couple.
The professional dance judges commented at the event about each team’s performance and mastery of their dance style, and awarded Judge’s First Place to Tyler-Avery Lewis (Miss Sonoma County) and her professional partner Rafael Candelas.
Judge’s Second Place went to Shannon Hausman (a teacher at Alexander Valley School) and her pro John Ross.
Judge’s Third Place was awarded to Christina Stafford (owner of Stafford Gallery in Healdsburg) and pro Austin Kois.
The judges also bestowed a “Most Creative Use of Dance” award to Steven Eidsen and pro Susan Lombard.
The teams raised funds to benefit the Raven by soliciting dollar votes, and were awarded trophies based on those votes.
The First Place Popular Vote trophy went to Shannon Hausman and John Ross. Second Place Popular Vote was earned by Christina Stafford and Austin Kois. Third Place Popular Vote went to Cherie Eliz Ford and Carole Savoy.
