The Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore raised almost $50,000 at its first “Dancing with Our Monmouth and Ocean County Stars” event held on Nov. 12 at Eagle Oaks Country Club, Howell.
The dancing competition featured eight notable community members from Monmouth and Ocean counties dancing ballroom routines including the Salsa, Cha Cha, Swing, Tango and Hustle that they practiced for weeks at Shall We Dance ballroom studios in Toms River, according to a press release. Videos of each dance are available at www.girlscoutsjs.org/dance
Before the dancers took the stage, local Girl Scouts performed a special piece choreographed by Shall We Dance and told the audience about the importance of Girl Scouting, according to the press release.
“Girl Scouts to me means being resourceful and being a leader,” said Girl Scout dancer Julianna. “When I get older I want to be a biologist and maybe work with animals. Girl Scouts teaches me how to be strong and learn new things.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by the rest of the Girl Scout dancers.
“This is honestly one of the most special nights of my life! Having my family and friends supporting me has been amazing,” said Noelle Lotano, the 2015 Judges Choice award winner.
The Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore serves more than 11,000 girls in Monmouth and Ocean counties.