WS Chronicle

Take the Lead Winston-Salem, a fundraiser for the Bethesda Center for the Homeless inspired by the hit television show “Dancing with the Stars,” is back.

A new slate of local stars was announced late last month. They will master their moves with the help of professional dancers in preparation for an April 25 finale event at the Benton Convention Center. The dancing stars are also busy asking friends, family members and others to support their effort by making $10 donations (or votes) – the cost to Bethesda Center of providing a person with one day and night’s shelter, supplies and food – at www.taketheleadws.com. Votes may be placed up until the April 25 finale.

Over the years, Take the Lead has raised more than $420,000 for Bethesda Center, the largest emergency shelter for men and women in Forsyth County. In 2012, Bethesda served more than 800 homeless men and women and has assisted more than 300 people in moving from shelters into their own housing during the last five years.

This year’s stars include Michael Clements, VP for Community Investment at The Winston-Salem Foundation, who is paired with Laura Stainback of Fred

Daggett

Astaire Studios in Clemmons; attorney David Daggett, who is paired with his wife, Cynthia; Natasha Gore, executive director of The ECHO Network, who is paired with Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines; Karen McNeil-Miller, president of Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, who is paired with Sean Kirk of the Piedmont Swing Dance Society; and Robert Moody, music director for the Winston-Salem Symphony, who is paired with Cheri Van Loon, an actress, choreographer and dancer.

For a full list of dancers and/or more information about the event, visit the web site. Tickets to April’s finale are also available at the site.