The 2024 Mirror Ball Trophy Judges' Choice Winners of Dancing with the Statesboro Stars are Bulloch County Sheriff's SRO Matt McBride and Karlye Brooke Mainer! They were selected by the judges on Thursday, November 21, 2024 during the DWTSS event at Connection Church.
In addition, the Top Fundraisers Mirror Ball was presented to Madison Roesel and Michael Vescio.
This year's DWTSS competition, presented by D&R Intensive Car Care, was emceed by Russ Lanier and Joey Fennell. Celebrity judges for the evening included Miss Georgia Ludwidg “Lulu” Louizaire, WJCL’s Frank Sulkowski, and Frank Middleton.
A full list of winners and runners up is below.
Judges' Choice Winners
- Second Runner Up: Madison Roesel and Michael Vescio
- First Runner Up: Jaimie Riggs and Devon Thompson
- Winner: Matt McBride and Karlye Brooke Mariner
Fundraising Winners
- Fourth Runner Up: Ashley Duvall and Paul Schwerteger
- Third Runner Up: Terri Hill and Zachary Dalgard
- Second Runner Up: Alan Skipper and Taylor Hinson
- First Runner Up: Jaime Riggs and Devon Thompson
- Winner: Madison Roesel and Michael Vescio
The grand total raised through fundraising, ticket sales, and sponsorships during the 2024 Dancing with the Statesboro Stars event was an incredibly impressive record breaking $212,202.63 all for Safe Haven, a program of Citizens Against Violence, Inc.
Annual community favorite fundraising event benefits Safe Haven
Twelve couples spent months rehearsing and holding fundraisers to help the organization, which serves victims of domestic violence in Bulloch and surrounding counties. Safe Haven provides emergency shelter, safety planning, legal advocacy, support groups, child assistance, a housing program, and much more.
This was their 14th annual event, and just like the years before, it has helped make the community more aware of domestic violence and the many services Safe Haven offers survivors of domestic violence.
"Tonight as you have fun and are awed by these amazing routines, remember why we are here. We are here for Safe Haven's mission. To serve, strengthen and support survivors of domestic violence. Remember abuse is NEVER a victim's fault. The truth is there is nothing someone can ever say or do to ever deserve to be abused or mistreated. Everyone deserves to be safe in their home and in their relationships. ALWAYS. Survivors deserve to be heard. Survivors deserve to be believed. They deserve justice. They deserve safety. Domestic violence is an epidemic and we need to treat it as one." said Kim Billings, Safe Haven Public Relations and Legal Services Director.
"I say this every year but it still warms my heart to know, that we are so blessed to live in a community that is extremely selfless with their time and resources and are quick to lend a hand of help and support to their friends and neighbors in need, not only to Safe Haven but to other important causes in our area."
Congratulations again to Matt McBride and Karlye Brooke Mainer and Madison Roesel and Michael Vescio, along with all the dancers who made this year's DWTSS fundraiser one of the best ever.
This year's local stars were paired with dance professionals for the performance. Teams included:
- Macie Brannen (CORE Credit Union) with pro Darien Adams
- Ashley Duvall (Sapp Agency: Allstate Insurance) with pro Paul Schwertfeger
- Eddie Frazier (Statesboro High School) with pro Katie Sconyers
- Britt Hendrix (Boro Bagel Company) with pro Jade Hoyle
- Terri Hill (Walmart Distribution Center) with pro Zachary Dalgard
- Ben Hughes (East Georgia Regional Medical Center) with pro Makayla Chambers
- Ken Jackson (Leap Joy Inflatables) with pro Mallory Culbreth
- Christian “Matt” McBride (Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office) with pro Karlye Brooke Mainer
- Amanda Nease (Atlantic Waste Services) with pro Jad Deal
- Jaime Riggs (East Georgia Regional Medical Center) with pro Devon Thompson
- Madison Roesel (The Sack Company) with pro Michael Vescio
- Alan Skipper (Pure Wellness and Spa) with pro Taylor Hinson
Tickets available for encore show on Sunday, November 24
Tickets are still available for the encore performance of DWTSS on Sunday, November 24. The show will be held at 3pm at Connection Church on Cawana Road. You can purchase tickets online here.
At the Sunday show, the audience will have the opportunity to choose a 'Fan Favorite,' and the Team Player Award, voted on by the dancing teams themselves, will be presented. Sunday judges will include Travis Bilger, Donald Chavers Jr., and Trish Tootle.
The real winners and the reason we dance
We want to give a special shout out to the survivors of domestic violence who attended this year's DWTSS event. You are the reason why our community dances, and you are the true heroes of the evening. What you have been through or are going through does not define you; you are so much more than what has happened to you.
We are proud of you, wherever you are in your journey, and we celebrate your courage and strength. We are always here for you and your family!
Please call Safe Haven any time you need them at 912-764-4605.