As friends Kayla Conner and Darrell Curry prepare to participate in Dancing for the Stars for Erath County Big Brothers and Big Sisters, one thing is for sure ... laughter will ensue.
The lighthearted duo doesn’t take themselves too seriously, but they are serious about raising funds for a cause they are passionate about.
“We love the organization,” Conner said. “But we are nervous about being on stage.”
For those unfamiliar with the event, couples compete for a mirror ball after months and months of rehearsing dance routines. The couples raise funds both at the event and prior to the event – the couple who raises the most is declared the winner. It is the biggest fundraiser for BBBS of Erath County.
This year’s event is slated for Nov. 9 at the Tarleton Rodeo Complex, a new venue for the event.
“We are competing as a couple of friends,” Curry said. “When I tell people I’m a jack of all trades, I didn’t mean a dancer.”
Neither Curry or Conner have professional dancing experience but they are excited to begin lessons in July with Studio 6:14 Dance and Performing who provides all of those competing in the event with lessons and choreography.
“I have not had a couple of this uniqueness in years. To have a best friend couple competing ... I have no doubt they will make a dynamite team,” BBBS Executive Director Sarah McNeal-Weaver said.
Both Conner and Curry are very familiar with BBBS and Conner’s daughter, Khloe, 9, has a “big” (a mentor with BBBS) of her own. Curry’s daughter Lyrick will also have a mentor through BBBS once she reaches a certain age.
“Khloe thinks this is so cool,” Conner said about the duo competing.
McNeal-Weaver said the duo possesses a special quality since they both utilize the program to act as an additional mentor for their kids.
She also said having a Dublin couple adds another level of fundraising for the event since it encourages Dublin businesses and citizens to donate.
“We serve so many kids from Dublin, we would love to have more Dublin businesses support us,” she said. Conner, who is the owner of Southern Sass, and Curry, who is the owner of Rafter C Roll Offs and Landscaping, stay plenty busy with work and family, but both believe the opportunity to dance for a good cause will give them the opportunity to spread their wings so to speak.
Curry has been on a weight-loss journey and has lost 312 pounds since March 2021. This has given him the confidence and energy to try new things like dancing. For Conner, it gives her the opportunity to come out of her shell and the opportunity to look forward to trying something new. All proceeds from the event stay 100% local in Erath County helping BBBS.
Those wanting to help the couple win can go ahead and start making donations for Team Curry. A few tables are also still available for the event.
Table sponsorships can be purchased for $1,500, $2,500, $3,500 and $7,500 and include seating for eight, dinner and open bar.
General admission is $25. Everyone is encouraged to select Team Curry when purchasing tickets.