2018 Dancing with the Kansas City Stars

Kansas City “Stars” and Allegro Ballroom team up for “Dancing with the Kansas City Stars”
to provide scholarships for economically-underserved students

Hollywood has nothing on Kansas City. With eight local community leaders willing to front for high school students at Cristo Rey Kansas City, our metro area has its own home-grown “stars.”

The 2018 elite eight were revealed November 1, at Polsinelli with its iconic Country Club Plaza view as the backdrop. Honorary Chairs Mary Lockton and Michael Murphy presented Cristo Rey Kansas City's newest Stars:  Pat Contreras; Dr. David Emmott; David Hess; Marcy Johnson; Taryn Klein; Lisa Lyddon; Tony Miller; and, Kathy Nelson. Paired with a dance coach from Allegro Ballroom, each Star will receive dance lessons and the confidence that only an expert partner can provide.
 
On Saturday, April 21st, the eight hometown heroes will step onto the stage in front of a packed audience to open doors for students at Cristo Rey. By stepping out of their comfort zones, each will display a commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty through education.

Why? Because only students with economic need can attend Cristo Rey. Highly motivated, students are proud to attend a school where 100% of graduates are accepted to college. Each enters knowing that they will work one day per week to offset approximately half of the cost of education. A longer school day and school year ensure that students complete college prep courses.

To fund the gap between what each student earns at their Corporate Work Study internships and the cost of education, Cristo Rey sponsors the annual fundraiser – Dancing with the Kansas City Stars – now in its twelfth year.  The evening culminates in a people’s choice winner, determined by the total number of $10 votes. The community and event attendees can vote as often as they like and with as many dollars as they like.  Alumni Star Mary Lockton and Michael Murphy are serving as honorary chairs for the 2018 event and are spearheading efforts to engage the community.

“All involved in this event, especially the amazing dancers, give so generously of their time, energy and talent,” said John O’Connor, President of Cristo Rey Kansas City. “I am humbled to witness their commitment to help provide opportunities for the highly motivated and talented young men and women of Cristo Rey. Community support allows them to pursue their goal of achieving a college degree,” he said. “The effort and dedication of the dancers provide a powerful example for our students.” 

For more information, visit www.dancingwiththekansascitystars.org.

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 About Cristo Rey Kansas City High School 

Cristo Rey Kansas City is part of the Cristo Rey Network of 32 Cristo Rey high schools across the nation dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through education and work experience. The model of education equips students to see past their urban roots toward college and beyond.