CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte is back for season eight, raising money for breast cancer and adolescent mental health resources.
Twelve contestants are challenged to raise at least $30,000 each as they practice their best dance moves with their professional partner leading up to the show on Feb. 2, 2024.
Felipe Edmiston is co-founder of Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte. Over the years, the nonprofit has grown to have nearly 100 alumni.
“You dream about something being so big, but when it gets there, you really see the impact that it creates in the city and I’m just incredibly proud,” Edmiston said.
Last season, Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte raised over a million dollars. This year’s beneficiaries will be the Go Jen Go Foundation, the Novant Health Agnes Binder Weisiger Breast Health Center and The Katie Blessing Foundation.
Contestant Bill Diehl is a Charlotte native and founder and manager of the commercial real estate firm Diehl Properties. His wife, JoBrent Austin-Diehl, is a Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte 2019 alumna.
“I’m happy to be from Charlotte, and happy to help the people in Charlotte,” Diehl said. “Cancer really doesn’t care who you are or where you’re from. My mom and my wife have both fought skin cancer and it’s been terrible, and we don’t know when or if it will ever come back.”
Contestant Laura Reed is a community volunteer and third-generation breast cancer survivor.
“I instantly decided I’ve got to step out of my comfort zone and be a part of something that’s bigger than myself, bigger than my family,” Reed said.
The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 10,730 new cases of female breast cancer in North Carolina in 2023. Reed and Diehl both want to help bring resources to those in the community who need help.
“I’ve seen it firsthand, it’s awful,” Diehl said. “Whatever we can do to eradicate it, if that means going out there and looking silly in February, then I’ll do it.”
Fans can donate and vote for contestants until Feb. 2. Every dollar is one vote.
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