From left: Johnny Beauchamp, Ann Rich, Bob Dickerson, Janet Rooney, Margaret Jones and Richard TubbWho hasn’t envisioned himself standing on stage, receiving thunderous applause in front of friends, family and fans? That’s what one of Birmingham’s top charity benefits does each year for six local stars age 60 years or older, while also raising money for a critically important division in UAB’s School of Medicine.
Hosted by the UAB Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, a multidisciplinary center within UAB’s School of Medicine, the fifth annual Dancing With the Silver Stars pairs local civic leaders with professional dancers in high-energy routines. Presented by Alacare Home Health and Hospice, BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama and Ligon Industries, LLC, the event takes place Monday, Nov. 3, beginning with a reception at 6 p.m. at The Club in Homewood, Ala.
Dancing With the Silver Stars, Season 5, is open to the public; tickets must be purchased in advance. Individual tickets are $135. After Oct. 21, prices rise to $160 per person. Tables of eight are $1,750, $2,750, $5,000 and $10,000. For information or to purchase tickets or tables, call 205-934-7408.
“This event is equal parts fun and supporting a worthy cause,” said Cynthia Brown, M.D., director of the Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging. “The proceeds for Season 5 will ensure that UAB is on the cutting edge of finding patient-centered outcomes for aging populations.”
| Dancing With the Silver Stars, Season 5, is open to the public; tickets must be purchased in advance. Individual tickets are $135. After Oct. 21, prices rise to $160 per person. Tables of eight are $1,750, $2,750, $5,000 and $10,000. For information or to purchase tickets or tables, call 205-934-7408.. |
Local “star dancers” will team with Fabian and Jackie Sanchez of Fred Astaire Studio in Hoover. Fabian Sanchez is a veteran of the hit ABC show “Dancing With the Stars” who competed with actress Marlee Matlin in the program’s sixth season. The local dancers are:
- Johnny Beauchamp, Merrill Lynch executive and civic leader
- Ann Rich, fitness instructor and dancer
- Bob Dickerson, founder and executive director of Birmingham Business Resource Center
- Janet Rooney, former dancer and museum docent
- Margaret D. Jones, owner, Margaret Jones Interiors and Art Gallery
- Richard Tubb, owner, Richard Tubb Interiors and community health advocate
The Sugar Babies, a troupe of tap-dancers ranging in age from 57 to 74, will provide opening and closing entertainment. The emcee is Robert Levin, M.D., a Birmingham pediatrician and the voice of the University of Alabama Million Dollar Band.
Additional special entertainment are Roswell Pfister, M.D., and Sarah Alvarez, O.D., M.D., a Birmingham-based couple popular for their well-choreographed and sensuous tango-style dance routines.
Proceeds will fund two pilot projects led by UAB faculty; the purpose of these projects is to improve patient-centered outcomes for aging adults:
Project I: Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) Pilot Program at UAB Hospital. This evidence-based program, initially developed at Yale University, is designed to reduce the incidence of delirium in aging adults. HELP provides multicomponent interventions targeted at specific delirium risk factors present in each patient. The goal of this project is to demonstrate improved patient outcomes with reduced health care costs that can be implemented in any hospital unit. It will be led by Katrina Booth, M.D.
Project II: Acute Effects of Diet on Heart Failure Status. Very-low-salt diets may improve the health of heart failure patients, but these diets are hard for patients to maintain. And, evidence supporting the effectiveness of these diets is weak. The goal of this study is to improve dietary recommendations for people with heart failure, leading to better-tasting and easier-to-follow diets that reduce the burden of illness. The project will be led by Emily B. Levitan, M.D.
The planning committee for Dancing With the Silver Stars, Season 5, includes:
- Jerry LaSuer, co-chair
- Betty McMahon, co-chair
- Jan D. Hunter
- Ray Jordan
- Dianne Mooney
- Barbara O’Neal
- Dolly O’Neal
- Ceil Snow
- Susan Stofel