Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erath is staging its annual Dancing For the Stars competition Nov. 7 at the JE Arena and Dublin has another hometown couple to back as they bust a move.
Dublin Elementary teacher Jodi Noles and her husband Kolby Noles have been practicing alongside this year’s competition at Studio 6:14 with the couple promising some “fun little surprises for the judges and things to get the audience involved” in an interview on the BBBS Facebook page.
Ticket sales for the event ended this week but donations are still being accepted to support the team and BBBS efforts in the county. Every dollar donated equals a vote for the dancing team that collects it.
The annual event puts dancing couples against each other to get the highest scores and to see who raises the most money for BBBS. Whichever team raises the most money through “audience votes” is declared the winners of the event.
Jodi and Kolby are available to take whatever donations but their biggest push is in a BBQ fundraiser set for Wednesday, Oct. 23. For a $10 donation, donors can get a bbq sandwich, chips and a homemade cookie. Orders can be made by texting 254-979-2823 by Friday, Oct. 18. All proceeds will go to the nonprofit and will secure votes for Team Noles.
The couple, who were married last December are big supporters of the organization with Kolby saying the organization does “wondrous things” by providing mentors (‘Bigs’) for local youth (‘Littles.’) Jodi sees the benefit of these relationships firsthand at Dublin Elementary when the volunteers come to visit or have lunch with their Littles. Jodi is moved by the smiles she sees on the Littles’ faces when their Big walks through the door.
She added that the program helps make confident kids who can more easily succeed in the classroom. With the benefits BBBS provides, the Noles said they were eager to do whatever they could do to help.
BBBS Executive Director Sarah McNeal-Weaver commended the couple in the online interview for not only stepping on to the dance floor but acting as active advocates for the organization. (Jodi’s daughter was even the first $10 monthly donor.)
“I feel that you two have devoted so much time to learning,” Weaver said. “It means so much to have people advocate.”