Published: October 04, 2008 10:47 pm         

Neal Ward dances way to fundraiser victory

TERRE HAUTE — Neal Ward, owner of Medusa’s danced his way to victory Friday at the second annual “Dancing with the Terre Haute Stars.”

Ward was one of 10 local personalities vying for the win in the fundraiser with proceeds benefiting CHANCES for Indiana Youth.

Each contestant was paired with an instructor from The Dance Studio to spend 10 hours learning his or her dance. The dances were the samba, waltz, mambo, rumba, hustle, paso doble, tango, merengue, swing or — in Ward’s case — cha cha.

Winners were determined by their scores from judges and the amount of money they raised from receiving votes.

“All the contestants were terrific to do this,” said Glenn Dunlap, president of CHANCES. “It really helps us out a lot.”

Dunlap said voting totals brought in $13,000, more than double the amount raised for voting last year. Money from the silent and live auction as well as donations will be added to the total to determine the total amount raised from the event.

Money from the event will support the organization’s programs. CHANCES serves 18 counties within the state.