Atascadero: Dancing with Our Stars raises funds for new library

Posted: 11:07 pm, March 5, 2015 by Reporter Heather Young

The new Atascadero Library opened in June 2014.

Annual event spans two nights and is nearly sold out

This year, the Friends of the Atascadero Library is putting on the sixth annual Atascadero: Dancing with Our Stars over two nights, a change from past years. The dancing competition will be held on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $85 each.

“This year will be an international travelogue performing dances from eight countries with music and theatrics weaved throughout the show,” Malik said. Professional director Frank Sanchez will direct the show overall. “Frank is raising the level of the bar for this event and creating a show that will surely dazzle the audience. His 60 years of dance experience and attention to detail is nothing short of amazing.”

Dance instructor Tom Troxel and dancer Robyn Schmidt ready for this year’s Atascadero: Dancing with Our Stars competition on March 20 and 21.

The winner is determined by who receives the most votes, which can be purchased for $5 before March 20 and $10 during the performance.

“Due to popular demand the event is being held two full nights,” event chairwoman Jeannie Malik said, adding that each night will include Opolo wines, appetizers, a silent auction, catered dinner and live dancing by the contestants and for the audience at the end of the night. “Tickets were selling out within 30 minutes months prior to the event, so we’re heeding the call of the community to host the event two full nights. Due to quick sale of the tickets and pressure from the community, we opened up the final dress rehearsal the night prior to the event [last year] and packed the house.”

There are 250 tickets available each night, Malik said; however, the Saturday night event is sold out and only a limited number left for Friday. To secure one of those tickets, contact Malik at jeannie@gregmalikregroup.com. The grand champion will be announced March 21 and an audience favorite will be awarded each evening. All proceeds will benefit the new Atascadero Library, which opened in June 2014 on Capistrano Avenue. Malik said that more than $2 million has been raised by Friends of the Library for the new library. This year, Malik said, the organization is anticipating raising $100,000 for the dancing event.

“Polls are open,” Malik said. “Our celebrity dancers are eager for your votes. We encourage everyone to vote early and often for their favorite dancers by making tax-deductible donations to Friends of the Atascadero Library in their name.”

In the memo section of the check, write “Votes” and the name of the dancer that has been selected. The check may be dropped off at the library or mailed to Friends of the Atascadero Library, P.O. Box 561, Atascadero, CA 93423. For more information or to donate online, go to http://friendsoftheatascaderolibrary.org.

Dancers: