A popular fundraiser that combines fundraising for senior services and cutting a rug on the dance floor saw stellar results this year, organizers said, raising a record amount of money for its efforts.
Last month, more than 300 people were in attendance as Bacoa, a Barrington area nonprofit organization that focuses on issues related to aging, raised over $380,000 through the annual “Dancing with the Barrington Stars” fundraiser, organizers explained.
Real estate agents Jackie Aprati and Cathy Schmidt performed together Feb. 3, 2024 in the “Dancing with the Barrington Stars” fundraiser hosted by Bocoa at Avant Banquets in Fox River Grove.
There were six dance performances by local civic leaders who participated to help raise money and awareness for Bacoa’s mission “to support older adults, caregivers, and families through a wide range of services and education,” according to a Bacoa news release announcing the results.
The money raised this year surpassed the $330,000 goal and beat the 2023 fundraising of $354,330, organizers announced in the release.
“Our community is making a statement about the need for Bacoa and our services,” Bacoa Executive Director Terri Channer stated in the release. “We’ve seen a 40% increase in clients served the past two years, a number that will only grow as our population ages.”
Bacoa offers memory and social-engagement programs, as well as ones that help older adults access such things as food and transportation, the release states.
Dancing this year was local philanthropists Lauren Hills and Britini Wilkens, business leaders Lisa Davenport and Andy Golbienko, educators Avis and Cosey Proctor, St. Anne Catholic Community members Eryka and Rich Accordino, local real estate agents Jackie Aparati and Cathy Schmidt, and The Den Fitness owners Todd and Natalee Zehrer, according to the release.
Performances were set to such iconic hits as “Grease” and “Space Jam.”
“All the dancers left the crowd on their feet and cheering,” organizers stated in the release.
Awards were handed out in the categories of “Champions of the Ballroom” and “Judges’ Choice.” In fact, the release explains, $135,550 of the money raised came as a result of supporters voting for their favorite dancers.
“We’re so proud of our Bacoa community. Our dancers, volunteers, staff, board members, and our amazing supporters made this an unforgettable night. Thousands of aging adults benefit from the work we’re able to do thanks to their efforts,” Channer stated in the release.
This year marks Bacoa’s 40th anniversary, and organizers stated in the release that plans continue throughout the year to celebrate the milestone.
