Elizabeth Schalk claims first Vanderkin bonus for Dancing with the Local Stars

Signature Rotary of Three Creeks fundraiser set for Saturday at ilani Casino Resort

The Rotary Club of Three Creeks announced that Elizabeth Schalk has grabbed a $1,000 bonus in her chase for the Mirror Ball trophy awarded to the grand champion of Dancing with the Local Stars 2.0 — Legends, presented by Banner Bank.

Elizabeth Schalk Photo courtesy of Kate Singh
Elizabeth Schalk Photo courtesy of Kate Singh

The bonus is one of two provided from the generosity of Vancouver’s John & Peggy Vanderkin, who wanted a unique way to support the event.

The event, which has been sold out for six weeks, is Sat., March 7 at ilani Resort Casino. Tim Gordon from KGW TV will emcee the event.

Eight Local Stars — Tracy Doriot (Doriot Construction), Azar Ghiasvand (Banner Bank), Cyndi Holloway (Waste Connections), Dianna Kretzschmar (Village Health Care), Schalk (Evergreen Public Schools), Daniel Spanski-Dreffin (Rotary Club of Three Creeks), Evan Strandberg (iQ Credit Union) and Jim West (Jim West Commercial Real Estate) — have been raising funds and working on a ballroom dance routine with professionals since November in preparation for the big event on March 7.

Through March 4, the local stars have raised nearly $22,000. The Rotary Club of Three Creeks prioritizes its community giving in partnerships with community-based nonprofits that provide services to children, veterans, hungry and homeless. In 2019, the club granted $10,000 to the North County Community Food Bank, created and funded a community giving program for smaller grants and provided $1,500 for its first ever international service project — giving shoes to previously barefoot children in rural Mexico.

With the bonus, Schalk jumped into second place in the race for the Mirror Ball trophy. The grand champion of the event is the local star who raises the most money. Judges at the event will determine the Best Dance award.

With 35 members, Rotary Club of Three Creeks is in its fourth year of existence and has already completed 45 service projects. More information about the club can be found on its website (www.rotaryofthreecreeks.com), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/rotaryofthreecreeks).