Barrington ‘Dance’ event breaks record with more than $380K raised for aging programs – Chicago Tribune

A popular fundraiser combining fundraising for senior services and carpet cutting on the dance floor has achieved excellent results this year, raising a record sum of money for its efforts, organizers said.

Organizers announced last month that more than 300 people attended Bacoa, a Barrington-area nonprofit focused on issues related to aging, and raised more than $380,000 through its annual “Dancing with the Barrington Stars” fundraiser.

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 broad range of services and education,” according to a Bacoa news release announcing the results.

The money raised this year exceeded the $330,000 goal and surpassed the 2023 fundraising goal of $354,330, organizers announced in the statement.

“Our community is making a statement about the need for Bacoa and our services,” Bacoa Executive Director Terri Channer said in the release. “We have seen a 40% increase in the number of customers served in the last two years, a number that will only increase as our population ages.”

In addition to memory and social engagement programs, Bacoa also offers programs that help older adults access things like food and transportation, the release says.

This year, local philanthropists Lauren Hills and Britini Wilkens, business leaders Lisa Davenport and Andy Golbienko, educators Avis and Cosey Proctor, St. Mother Catholic Community members Eryka and Rich Accordino, local real estate agents Jackie Aparati and Cathy Schmidt, and The Den danced. The fitness owners are Todd and Natalee Zehrer, according to the statement.

Performances were set to iconic hits like “Grease” and “Space Jam.”

“All the dancers left the crowd on its feet and cheering,” organizers said in the statement.

The awards were awarded in the “Ballroom Champions” and “Jury’s Choice” categories. In the statement, it was announced that $135,550 of the money collected was obtained as a result of fans voting for their favorite dancers.

“We are so proud of our Bacoa community. Our dancers, volunteers, staff, board members and amazing supporters made this an unforgettable night. “Thousands of aging adults benefit from the work we are able to do because of their efforts,” Channer said in a statement.

This year marks Bacoa’s 40th anniversary, and organizers said in a statement that plans to celebrate the milestone are ongoing throughout the year.