​Lively, energetic performance gives Rackley, Scaletchi the win at Dancing With the Stars in Kincardine

The lively, energetic performance by celebrity dancer Tamis Rackley and seasoned dancer Victor Scaletchi won them the trophy at the Dancing With the Stars gala, Saturday night at the Kincardine Pavilion.

The fund-raising event is in support of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Bruce North Huron, and featured six couples performing various dances to the delight of the sold-out crowd, plus many who tuned in virtually.

Those attending in person enjoyed a delicious roast beef dinner, served by West Coast Catering.

MCs Scott Miller and Denise Lockie, both of Wingham, then welcomed everyone in-person and on-line, and kept things moving along.

Judging the event, were Carole Weber, technical judge, of Benmiller; Courtney Dunlop, style judge, of Bruce County; and celebrity judge John Peevers, manager of community and media relations and economic development at Bruce Power, who were piped to their seats by Brenda Colquhoun of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band.

Linda Johnson, president of the agency’s board of directors and chairperson of the event, thanked everyone for supporting the gala. She also introduced Deirdre Carroll, the new executive director, who took over from Yolanda Ritsema in August.

“This is our biggest fund-raiser of the year,” said Johnson. “Thanks to our wonderful volunteers and our 34 sponsors. Enjoy the evening.”

Carroll also thanked the volunteers, the sponsors and the dancers for all their hard work and dedication.

“We serve 113 youth, with 55 boys and 13 girls on our waiting list,” she said. “We also have group programs that offer our Littles new experiences, and an in-school mentoring program. We support our Littles and their families through various initiatives, such as the literacy program, summer day camp and the Secret Santa.

“Thanks to our board, our staff and our generous community, we can meet the needs of the kids we serve. You are all part of something BIG!”

Next on the agenda, the six couples performed their first numbers, followed by a short intermission, then their second dance numbers. The judges determined the top three couples, who then performed once more, before the winners were announced.

Taking to the floor first, were celebrity dancer Leyla Gonzales and seasoned dancer Blayne Hussey, performing the Foxtrot and later the Cha Cha.



Leyla Gonzales and Blayne Hussey perform the Cha Cha

Couple No. 2 featured celebrity dancer Don Andrew and seasoned dancer Jeanette Schinker performing the Waltz and then the Rumba.



Donald Andrew and Jeanette Schinker perform a Waltz

Next, were celebrity dancer Carolyn Hart and seasoned dancer Bryan Shelley doing the Rumba and a Waltz.



Carolyn Hart and Bryan Shelley perform a Waltz

Couple No. 4 included celebrity dancer Tamis Rackley and seasoned dancer Victor Scaletchi performing a Quickstep/Two-Step Fusion, and a Samba Fusion.



Tamis Rackley and Vicor Scaletchi perform a Quickstep/Two-Step Fusion

Up next, were celebrity dancer Andy Laya and seasoned dancer Carmen Coburn, doing the East Coast Swing and the Hustle.



Andy Laya and Carmen Coburn perform the Hustle

And rounding out the roster, were celebrity dancer Braden Prasad and seasoned dancer Rachel Mackay doing a Bachata and the Paso Doble.



Braden Prasad and Rachel Mackay perform the Bachata

During the first intermission, Dana Daetwyler, who won last year’s Dancing With the Stars, with seasoned dancer Bryan Shelley, told her story of being a Little Sister in the agency’s program.

“I was six years old when I joined Big Brothers and Big Sisters,” she said. “I was struggling after my parents separated, but this organization provided an outlet and a safe space with other Littles and many caring volunteers.”

Daetwyler was part of the program for six years and remembers many wonderful outings and events, including sailing, games night, and trying jiu jitsu. She later learned kick-boxing and is now an instructor.

“Without Big Brothers and Big Sisters, I never would have had the opportunity to try new experiences and to find my passion for certain things,” she said. “Thank you for your support of this program. You help make all these memories possible.”

Daetwyler is now studying business and humanities at McMaster University. She said when she becomes rich, she plans to donate back to this program which set her on such a good path in life.

For the final dance-off, the judges selected Hart and Shelley, Rackley and Scaletchi, and Prasad and Mackay. Each couple performed again, and the judges were hard-pressed to decide a winner, with the scores so close.

Taking first place, were Rackley and Scaletchi, followed by Prasad and Mackay and Hart and Shelley.

The first-ever Littles Award was presented to Prasad and Mackay for their Paso Doble performance to the tune of “He’s a Pirate” from “The Pirates of the Caribbean.” Making the presentation, were Little Sister Ellie Biro of Wroxeter and her Big Sister Stacey Boyd of Wingham.

Brian and Rita Potter of Blyth won the raffle, taking home a ruby and diamond necklace and ring, donated by Gemini Jewellers in downtown Kincardine. Peevers announced that Bruce Power would match the amount raised in the raffle.