'Dancing with the Dedham Stars' brings in $25,000, crowns three

Andy Shumway and Erin MacDonald are named winners at the third annual "Dancing with the Dedham Stars" fund-raiser. (Natalie Feulner)

By Natalie Feulner, Town Correspondent

The Dedham Educational Partnership’s third annual “Dancing with the Dedham Stars” event raised more than $25,000 by the end of the evening and gave way to Dedham’s newest stars -- Andy Shumway, Erin MacDonald, and Peter Springer.

The event, held Saturday evening at Moseley’s on the Charles, drew a crowd of more than 700, and filled the ballroom with cheering fans sporting buttons, scarves, and masks in support of the dancers.

Shumway and MacDonald secured top honors with the judges, while Springer won the “popular vote.” Judges based their decisions on style, originality, and overall performance, while the popular vote went to the star who earned the most $1 donations.

Peter Springer dances to a Lady Gaga mash-up at the third annual "Dancing with the Dedham Stars" fund-raiser Saturday.

Dances throughout the night included a performance by each of the “stars,” Dedham High School students, Dedham Public Schools food staff, the professionals who trained the “stars,” and a group of Dedham mothers.

This year’s stars also included Kevin Hampe, Rosemary Rooney, and Deb Gately. Each trained for and performed a two-minute dance with professional partners.

Dance styles ranged from a fast-paced and somewhat sultry East Coast swing to a spunky Country Western Two Step.

Natalie Feulner can be reached at natalie.feulner@gmail.com.