The event, which was first introduced eight years ago and has raised more than $800,000, pairs charity ‘celebrities’ with professional dancers. Charities competing this year include the Boys & Girls Club, Center for Justice and Meditation, People and Animal Learning Services, My Sister’s Closet and Middle Way House.
Christina Zerfas, a junior in the Kelley School of Business and president of the IU chapter of Habitat for Humanity, will compete on behalf of the organization.
“It’s wonderful to have an IU organization involved this year representing Habitat for Humanity,” creator and producer Barbara Leininger said. “It’s an important service to our community, and it’s important that young people recognize the needs of the community and find a way to give back.”
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the IU Habitat for Humanity chapter, and Zerfas said she hopes the money raised from the event will contribute to the $70,000 needed to fund a house. She said Monroe County Habitat had to postpone builds for three future homeowners due to lack of funds this year.
“With this competition, we hope to be able to sponsor half of a home to help decrease that need and take one of the more than 20 families off the waiting list,” she said. “A home is more than a building. It’s a foundation of love that builds hope and opportunity of a hand-up towards a better life.”
Zerfas said IU Habitat for Humanity specifically works to bridge community and campus in an effort to alleviate substandard housing in the Monroe County area. Approximately 100 million people are homeless worldwide, and an additional two billion live in slums.
Monroe County has the highest rate of poverty in the state with 20 percent of the population falling below the poverty line.
“Participating in this competition means that I can follow my love for ballroom dancing to make a difference in the community that has given me so much,” she said. “I can’t think of a better way to spend my summer.”
Tickets for the all-ages event are $25. For more information or to donate, visit dwtcbloomington.com.
