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NEWS BRIEFS
Dance draws crowd to senior center
Mike Beck of Huntington and his girlfriend, Linda Hunt of Proctorville, dance together during the Valentine Dance/Celebrity Auction on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013, at the Underwood Senior Center in Huntington.
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HUNTINGTON -- The stars were out Tuesday night during the 7th annual Valentine Dance and Celebrity Auction at the Underwood Senior Center, where more than 60 people came out to shimmy while supporting the center.
The dance marks one of the most anticipated events on the center's calendar, and the proceeds help fund all of the other events that take place throughout the year, including dance and fitness classes and community events, said Karen Sifford, coordinator of the center.
"The center is open to all of these people every day, and this is one of those things they really look forward to coming to every year," Sifford said. "Anyone in Cabell County or the surrounding area is allowed and welcome to come in for any event, any time."
The marquee activity of the event always is the celebrity auction, during which guests can purchase a dance with their favorite local celebrity for as little as $2.
This year, the celebrity list included Huntington's own Batman and Captain America, Mayor Steve Williams, CCCSO Director Chuck Rick, Cabell County Commissioner Bob Bailey, Cabell County Magistrates Scott Bias and Johnnie McCallister, Cabell County Manager Chris Tatum, Dee Delancy, Chris Miller of Dutch Miller Kia and members of the Huntington Fire Department.
Admission to the event was $5, but guests who showed up wearing red received a $2 discount.
Edna Mae Booten has served as the auctioneer for the celebrity auction each year since the dance began. She said Tuesday's crowd was the largest one she ever had seen at the event.
"It's something they always enjoy because there is good dancing, and the atmosphere is good," she said. "A lot of the people who come here live in assisted living high-rise apartments, and they don't always get a good chance at a social life. At the center, they have a place where they can be involved in activities, meet new friends and keep those friendships, and that's good for everyone."
The Underwood Senior Center is located at 632 9th Avenue. It is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information about the center, call 304-529-3673 or visit the "Underwood Senior Center" page on Facebook.
