2017

2017 Gala Champion Conrad Barrows
Judges' Choice Champion Amber Willis
Team Competition Champion Team Shakers
Event night photos are available at the bottom of this page.

Lakeland Movers & Shakers Gala set for 10th anniversary a HUGE success!

The Movers & Shakers Gala marked its 10th anniversary on Saturday, May 20, at Lakeland University, as seven local celebrities shared their best dance moves to raise money for Lakeland University.

"Last year, we raised more than $200,000 to support student scholarship and the Sheboygan County Scholars program," said Deborah Wente, a member of the Lakeland Board of Trustees and the chair of the Movers & Shakers organizing committee.

"In nine years, Movers & Shakers has raised more than $1.9 million for Lakeland and more than 30 nonprofit organizations. We could not do this event without strong community support and volunteer interest. These people join our celebrities, local companies and our guests who give financially to make this evening successful."

All 2017 Gala proceeds support student scholarships. Each dancer has selected a local charity and the 2017 Gala winner's charity receives $10,000.

Major sponsors of this year's Gala were the Frank G. and Frieda K. Brotz Family Foundation; Sargento Foods, Inc.; Festival Foods; Studio Gear; Canopies Events with Distinction and Sun Graphics Media. Additional work was provided by Khrome and Salon Sasé.

The 2017 dancer lineup is made up of:

• Conrad Barrows, a community volunteer and retired member of the military and sales/marketing executive, performed a Lindy Hop routine. He was sponsored by the Melitta S. and Joan M. Pick Charitable Trust and his charity was the Wisconsin Military Network.
• Kristin Blanchard, chief executive officer of Lakeshore Community Health Center, performed a swing/jive routine. She was sponsored by the Grover Family Foundation and her charity was Lakeshore Community Health Care.
• David Gallianetti, director of external relations at Lakeland University, danced a freestyle routine. He was sponsored by Sun Graphics Media and his charity was the Sheboygan Public Education Foundation.
• Lindsay Harrison-Eirich, owner and CEO of Eng@ged Social Networking, performed a swing routine. She was sponsored by Friends of Lindsay Harrison-Eirich and her charity was Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
• Lauren Hydock, wellness coordinator at Masters Gallery Foods, performed a hip hop-cha cha. She was sponsored by Masters Gallery Foods and her charity was the Sheboygan County Humane Society.
• Teresa Van Horn, chief operating officer of the Van Horn Automotive Group, performed a foxtrot routine. She was sponsored by Van Horn Automotive Group and her charity was Samaritans Hand.
• Amber Willis, a registered nurse with the Aurora Sheboygan Clinic, performed a hip hop-Salsa. She was sponsored by Legend Larry's and her charity was Camp Evergreen.

This year's event also welcomed back several former Gala dancers, judges and emcees in a team competition.

Team Movers featured Dr. Carolyn Baxter, Anne Schroeder, Nellie Schmitt, Jenna Roeske, Kristin Blanchard Stearns and Dave Hoffman and professional dancers Frank and Angela Gillitzer.

They raised money for the Lakeland University Special Assistant Grant, which provides funding for students who need it most to continue their college education during challenging family times. In the past two academic years, 11 students have been awarded this grant.

Team Shakers featured Julie Steinert, Barbara Gannon, Rodney Ellison, Amee Salzwedel and Tammy Schaefer and professional dancers Zeke and Pamela Cribbs.

They raised money for the Lakeland University Retention Grant, which replaces the Federal Perkins Loan, which is expected to be discontinued at the end of this academic year. Dozens of students are able to attend Lakeland thanks to the Perkins Loan, and this new grant will provide replacement dollars so those students can finish their education.

Emcees for the evening will be Lakeland Associate Professor of Theatre and Speech Charlie Krebs.

Judges this year will be Sandi Vasatka, Wally Walkhart and Amee Salzwedel. Vasatka has been a Gala judge each year, and has taught ballroom dance in the Sheboygan area for more than 35 years. Waldhart was a Gala dancer in 2010 and 2013 and a judge in 2015. Salzwedel was a judge in 2015.

Candid guest photos from this year's event are on SmugMug and on Facebook.

If you attended the gala, we ask that you give us your valuable feedback. Simply click on the link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Lakelandgala.

Make sure to follow us on our Facebook page for even more updates.