Fred Astaire Dance Studio Hosts Gala to Benefit Women's Center of Danbury

BROOKFIELD, CT — The Women's Center is the chosen recipient of a benefit at this year's Brookfield's Dancing Stars, hosted by Fred Astaire Dance Studio. The event will be held on September 9, 2016 at 7 p.m. at The Amber Room.

The gala features a four course meal, a live band and social dancing, charity auctions, a professional show and a dance contest. Brookfield’s Dancing Stars Gala is a new fundraising event based off the hit TV show "Dancing with the Stars." Local Brookfield celebrities learn a choreographed routine and perform with a professional partner at the gala in a competition just like on the television show.

Each couple chooses a charity and the audience selects the winner who will win a People’s Choice Award. A panel of celebrity judges decide the winner of the dancing contest and who will receive the coveted mirror ball trophy and a cash prize to be added to their fundraising efforts for the charity of their choice.

The Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Brookfield will host the black tie event at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury from 7 p.m. until 12 midnight. Guests can enjoy a VIP cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres, followed by a surf and turf dinner with musical entertainment by the Hot Cat Jazz Band.

Michael Forrest, a player with Danbury's Western CT Militia semi-pro football league, designated the Women's Center to be the beneficiary to show his daughter the importance of giving back to the community.

"I have a 5-year-old daughter who is my world and I strive to do great things with her and for her. Sports is one of my passions, especially football. Helping people in need is what I'm great at and that's why I chose to work at Danbury hospital's ER as a tech," he said.

"The reason I chose this charity is because growing up I have witnessed friends, family and even my mother being abused and not having a place to go. Having a place like the women's shelter is such a blessing because there are plenty of people who need the help and support of others when there is no one else you can turn to," he continued.

Tickets are $179 and can be purchased here.