Aug. 18: Second annual Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge set

^{Media release: The second annual Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Rome City Auditorium. All proceeds will benefit the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia.}

"We are so excited about this year's show!" said Kim Davis, executive director of the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia. "Our dancers and instructors are working extremely hard to make it a big success, and we are so appreciative of their commitment and dedication. We hope you will join us for this great evening of entertainment!"

Modeled after the popular reality TV show "Dancing With the Stars," this event will feature performances by nine celebrity couples, with styles ranging from hip hop to ballet and much more:

Dr. Joe Burch of Rome Radiology Group dancing with Kathy Baird of Baird Ballet

Actor Levi Burdick dancing with Mary Beth Cauthen of The Dance Centre

Mike Jones, co-founder of SOW Inc. family homeless shelter, dancing with Tamra Clotfelter of Rome Athletic Club

Attorney G. Brian McWhorter dancing with Katie Kiser of Baird Ballet

Local children's author and folk artist James Schroeder dancing with Jenny Hawkins of Baird Ballet and The Dance Centre

Pastor Jason Stockton of LIFE Church dancing with Stephanie Kipfer of Dance Works

Keith Turner of Velocity Fitness in Motion dancing with Amy Harkins of Velocity Fitness in Motion

Dr. Joe Vargo of Vargo Orthodontics dancing with local Zumba instructor Yensen Lambert of Darlington School

Attorney Mark Webb of Brinson, Askew Berry, Seigler, Richardson & Davis LLP dancing with Carrie Edge of Revolution Fitness

After performing, each couple will be critiqued by event judges Emily McKnight of Dance Works; Andre Prospere, executive director of the Miss Fulton County Scholarship Pageant and certified judge in the Miss America system through the State of Georgia; former radio personality Robert Smythe of Coosa Valley Credit Union; and former Rockette Kay Ann Wetherington, a Floyd County assistant district attorney.

Couples will compete for the Judges' Choice Award and the People's Choice Award, which will be determined by the audience. Audience members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorites, in the form of funds donated, in between each performance. You can also support your favorite celebrity couple by voting online at www.romecelebritydancechallenge.com; online votes are $1 each with a minimum of 5 at a time.　

The emcees of the event are Matt Davis of WLAQ AM 1410 and 95.7 The Ridge FM and his wife, Tonya, of BDD Consulting. This year's show will also include special performances by ensembles from Baird Ballet, The Dance Centre and Dance Works.

All Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge ticket holders are invited to attend a pre-show reception at the DeSoto Theatre from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Adult beverages will be available for purchase with all proceeds benefitting the Sexual Assault Center. Guests will also be able to bid on silent auction items.

"The Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia provides critical services to five different counties in our region," said Tannika King, president of the Board of Directors for the Sexual Assault Center. "Unfortunately, like many other non-profit groups, our budget has been cut continuously over the past several years. We ask for your support so that we can continue to serve survivors of this terrible crime. By simply attending this event, you are making a contribution to a very worthwhile cause and helping us raise awareness in our community. Plus, I guarantee that you will love the show!"

The 2011 Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge raised over $40,000 for the Sexual Assault Center.

Event tickets are $15 and $20, depending on seat location, and are now available at http://rcdc.eventbrite.com. For more information, call the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia at 706-292-9024 or visit www.romecelebritydancechallenge.com or www.facebook.com/romecelebritydancechallenge.