Over the past few months, all star dancing teams have been hard at work preparing for Big Brothers, Big Sisters Dancing for the Stars event determined to put their best feet forward to raise funds for kids.
The sold-out event is being held Thursday, Oct. 30 at Tarleton Ballroom and this year will feature some Deja vu as this year’s selected teams are all returning dancers.
“Guests should recognize something they’ve seen in the past such as songs they’ve heard or specific dance moves,” Big Brothers, Big Sisters Executive Director Sarah McNeal Weaver said.
The all-star couples were each chosen because they have brought something unique to the table during their original season. For example, Jeremy and Hillary McBroom were selected because they were the first couple to start a watch party. Couples were also selected because they previously per Couples performing will include The McBrooms, Jim Ed and Kari Haile, Donny and Brigit Hill, Randy and Renee Thompson and Lance and Shelley Gilliland.
Each team will compete with original dances and will be scored by a panel of judges. The winner is determined by 50% judges scores and 50% of how much money is raised for the nonprofit.
This year’s event is Texas Black Tie dress code allowing women to show off formal wear while men are allowed to wear starched denim and suit jackets if they choose.
Though the event is sold out, people can still support their favorite couple by purchasing yard signs for $100 each and individual votes that cost $1 each. To vote for your favorite couple go to www.facebook.com/bbbserath/ and search for your favorite couple!
Here’s a little about the couples: Team McBroom
Jeremy and Hillary McBroom originally performed in 2019 pre-Covid and stay busy working, coaching and spending time with their kids - McKenzie 10, Maddox 7 who attend Stephenville ISD.
They both work at FMC. “We’re excited to dance again; we just move a little differently this time,” Hillary said.
Team Haile
Jim Ed and Kari Haile are Tarleton alums that own Haile & Company Real Estate.
Kari serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the couple originally met in 1983 at Tarleton. They recently celebrated their 37th anniversary and have two boys.
“I started here in 1989 and know a lot of kids just don’t get a fair shake in life. You just want to help them all,” Jim Ed said. For every yard sign purchased for Team Haile, you will be entered to win tickets to a Hudson Westbrook concert Saturday, Nov. 1 at the EECU in Stephenville. Team Thompson
Randy and Renee Thompson of Thompson’s Meat Market in Dublin and Tex-Ken Ranch Steak House in Stephenville originally performed in 2017 and were mirror ball winners with their Miami Vice themed routine.
“It’s the best cause. I love kids,” Randy said in an interview with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. The couple enjoys sharing time with their grandchildren and family.
Team Gilliland
Lance and Shelley Gilliland originally performed in 2016 and are high school sweethearts from Stephenville. Lance is the Business Lender Supervisor from Members Trust Federal Credit Unit and Shelley works at Ag Trust Farm Credit. The duo has been together for 30 years – 23 of them married. Both attended Tarleton State University and have one son – Luke, a junior at Stephenville High School.
“He’s been here every step of the way and is just as excited this time,” Shelley said about their son.
Team Hill
Donny and Brigit Hill originally performed in 2014, and Brigit is a stay at home mom with five kids. This year the couple has their family supporting them – kids, parents, brothers and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews and a crew of friends.
“We wanted to dance again for a few reasons. We believe this organization is so important for the kids in our community. Raising our children in a big family and seeing how important it is to have older siblings and cousins who are always there for each other is such a blessed way to grow up. All kids deserve to know what it is like. I’m so thankful we can help raise money to help these sweet kiddos be paired with a big,” Brigit said.
Though it’s been a number of years since the couple performed, they are excited and up to the task.
“I’m here to say we are going to pull it off well as long as we stretch real good first,” she said, laughing. “The advantage is we know what to expect and we are here to raise money for the kids, and have fun.”