Eight local dancers will duke it out on the dance floor to raise funds for deserving scholars at Boca’s Ballroom Battle, returning Sept. 20 to The Boca Raton.
An annual fundraiser for the George Snow Scholarship Fund, the eight dancers—dubbed “The Royal Collective”—will show the fruits of their labor as they take to the dance floor after a summer of raising money and rehearsing with the pros at Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Boca Raton.
This year’s theme: The British Invasion.
“Guests can expect dazzling performances inspired by legendary music and style from across the decades, but the exact songs will stay a surprise until the big night,” says Tim Snow, president of the George Snow Scholarship Fund. “[The dancers have] given countless hours of time and talent, not only to put on an unforgettable show, but to help others in our community and make education possible for local students.”
Last year, the dancers raised $1.37 million, important funds that go toward scholarships for deserving local students; Zoe Lanham broke a fundraising record last year when she brought in $390,000. This year, the Fund was able to award more than $5.5 million to 347 students.
But it doesn’t stop there—the Fund also provides holistic care, such as new laptops, Scholar Packs with school and dorm supplies, care packages during final exams, emergency funds, a Scholar Closet with professional attire, mental health counseling, and more.
“We treat our Snow Scholars like family. When they receive a scholarship, they become part of the Snow Family,” Snow explains. “Many of our Scholars are the first in their families to attend college, breaking cycles of poverty and lack of opportunity. Our success is measured by their success. With a graduation rate of over 90%, compared to the national average of 62%, we know that every dollar donated is transforming lives.”
The George Snow Scholarship Fund was formed in honor of Snow’s father, George Snow, and is the namesake of the charity. A local high school math teacher, he died in a tragic helicopter accident. To carry on his legacy, the Fund was created to make sure money wouldn’t be a barrier to an education for any student.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see how Boca’s Ballroom Battle has grown over the past 18 years,” Snow says. “What began as a fundraiser has blossomed into a signature community event that brings together leaders, businesses, and supporters in such a joyful way. Each year, the performances become bolder, and the opportunities we can provide for local students expand.”
Co-chairs for this year’s event are Terry Fedele and Zoe Lanham. This year’s dancers:
- Michael Drews, vice chairman of Multi-Bank Securities, Inc.
- Mitchell C. Fogel, founder, managing partner and president of the Fogel Law Group
- Troy Ganter, owner of Papa’s Raw Bar
- Michelle Hagerty, philanthropist
- Lauren Muñoz, of Muñoz Photography
- Linda Paton, vice president of customer relations at Sklar Furnishings
- George M. Petrocelli, director of catering at The Boca Raton
- Allison Stewart, Realtor at Compass
Boca’s Ballroom Battle is Sept. 20 at The Boca Raton. For more information or to donate, visit ballroombattle.com.
Boca magazine is proud to serve as the media sponsor for Boca’s Ballroom Battle.
