Groovin’: Disco Ball in Florence raises money to help three nonprofit groups
“FLORENCE, S.C. — The tunes of A Taste of Honey, Rose Royce, Van McCoy’s “Hustle” and other disco-era songs blasted through the Waters Building as people boogied to the grooves and enjoyed food from caterer Out of Left Field on Thursday.
The Disco Ball was a fundraiser by Leadership Florence t o support three nonprofit groups: SNAC, Help 4 Kids, and The Naomi Project .
Mark Spinazola said he had to come to the ball because he was born and raised in disco. In the words of the band Wild Cherry, Spinazola and his dance partner were “’dancin’ and singin’ and movin’ to the groovin’.”
Donna Baxley was on the dance floor throughout the ball. She said her friend invited her, and she went with coworkers.
“My favorite part of the night is the costumes,” Baxley said.
The men wore their ultra-white tuxedos, their afros and chains, while the women wore their jumpsuits, glittery shirts and short frocks.
The deejay turned the lights down, the strobe lights decorated the place as the deejay played the grooves of the disco era to bring out the nominees of the Best Dressed Disco Male and Best Dressed Disco Female. As the two dozen or so strutted around the dance floor, the audience members had to cheer loudly for the Best Dressed.
Kim Alejos and Shawn Hylan won the Best Dressed competition. Alejos received a $100 certificate from Pretty N’ Bliss, while Hylan won $100 from Butler’s Fine Men’s Clothing.
Besides the Best Dressed competition, there was a soul train line with dancers giving their best disco grooves as they traveled down the line.
Representatives from the different nonprofit groups talked about how the money raised by the Disco Ball will aid their organizations by purchasing food for the kids or protecting families in hardship.
Jensen Seear, president of Leadership Florence Class of 2017, said they sold about 400 tickets. Sponsors Assurant provided $5,000 to the event and ADP provided $2,500.
“We’re thankful for what was given,” Seear said. “We wanted $30,000, but I know with the silent auction and tickets at the door, we’ll probably get $35,000.”
He said the Leadership Florence class wanted to host an event that was lighthearted. He said the event is probably the only disco gala in the Pee Dee right now.
“I hope people came for a good time,” Seear said. “It a lighthearted great theme and it allows us to share awareness of the three nonprofits in a fun setting.”
SCNow Web Article – Groovin’: Disco Ball in Florence raises money to help three nonprofit groups
