2013 Celebrity Dancers including Goodwill's Own "Star" Participate in Official Kick-Off Event!

L to R: Michael Johnson, OVGI with dance partner, Deb Gooch, Chaco Credit Union

The evening of Thursday, August 22nd marked the official kick-off of the 2013 “Dancing for our Stars” season in support of Goodwill partner, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Held at the home of Superintendent Lisa Guliano, Dance coordinators, Connie Mehlman and Wendy Planicka welcomed the celebrity couples for this year’s event. Ohio Valley Goodwill is thrilled that Job Coach Supervisor, Michael Johnson is one of this year’s “Dancing Stars!” Before the formal aspects of the evening started, Michael and his new dance partner, Deb Gooch, from Chaco Credit Union, were able to get to know each other a little better. Interestingly, Deb’s daughter, Catherine is the manager of the Loveland Goodwill store, which is the largest store operated by Ohio Valley Goodwill in the Greater Cincinnati area. For Deb, the partnership was meant to be as she already had a fondness for Goodwill and its mission of service to the community as well as the Board’s work with individuals with disabilities. Both Michael and Deb along with the other celebrity couples in attendance learned all about the upcoming dancing event, fund-raising efforts, dance lessons and instructors as well as help available for costumes and make-up as needed. “We’re very excited to be part of this wonderful event in support of the individuals that the Board serves,” said the couple. Ohio Valley Goodwill’s team will be rooting them on as they begin their dance lessons and prepare for the competition. “I am so excited that my Mom is doing this,” said Catherine Gooch, Loveland Manager. “I think she’ll have a great time learning to dance and being involved in such a wonderful event,” added Gooch. The 2013 “Dancing for our Stars” event will be held on Saturday, November 16th at Receptions in Fairfield and Ohio Valley Goodwill will be a major sponsor of this event. Proceeds raised will be use to support upcoming campaigns for the Butler County Board of DD. Watch for more information about this exciting Dancing event coming soon.