Community Events

A Night of Disco and Giving: Dueling Disco Raises Over $100K for Local Kids

Published

1 year ago

June 29, 2025

The disco ball wasn’t the only thing shining Saturday night. The community turned out in full force for the first annual Dueling Disco Fundraiser, hosted by the Hike Kidz Foundation at the Shenandoah Valley Golf Club, raising an impressive $101,442 in support of children and families in Warren County.

From high-energy dance battles to heartfelt stories of resilience, the evening delivered a powerful mix of fun and purpose. Attendees laughed, cheered, donated, and danced—all in support of local students through Hike Kidz’s three core initiatives: Clothe the Kids, Unburden the Teachers, and Hold My Heart.

The fundraiser’s goal was ambitious—$70,000 to outfit 200 local students with personally selected clothing at $350 each. But by night’s end, the community had far exceeded expectations.

“We are here for the right reasons,” said Jean Plauger, one of the event’s co-hosts. “To help children who need help.”

Co-host Harmony Hike joined Plauger in recognizing the sponsors who made the event possible. “So many of you stepped up,” she told the crowd. “Without you, this wouldn’t be possible.”

Amber Veitenthal, of the Hike Kidz Foundation, shared the impact behind the numbers. “Our mission tonight is to raise critical funds for the kids in our community,” she said. “We’re not just throwing a party, we’re changing lives.”

And change it did.

A Cause Wrapped in Creativity and Compassion

One of the most emotional highlights of the night was the launch of the “Hold a Heart: Love Wins” campaign, in partnership with the Project HOPE Team at Warren County Public Schools.

Guests were invited to sponsor hand-painted wooden hearts created by students currently experiencing homelessness or living in foster care. Each child painted two hearts—one for display at the Stone Branch Center for the Arts, and one for the sponsor to take home. By the end of the night, 31 hearts had been sponsored, raising a total of $18,609.

These funds go directly to the most underserved students in the district, including 73 local youth registered under the McKinney-Vento Act, which supports students facing housing instability.

“There are no names or faces on these hearts,” Veitenthal said. “Just courage, creativity, and hope.”

The campaign was quietly started before the event by Mayor Lori Cockrell and Supervisor Cheryl Cullers, who sponsored the first two hearts. Their early support helped set the tone for what became a standout moment of the evening. Community members can still sponsor hearts by visiting www.hikekidzfoundation.org.

When the Giving Turns to Grooving

After the emotional presentation, the tone shifted to a funky, fun atmosphere as the Dueling Disco Dance-Off took center stage. Local community members competed in a friendly, high-energy dance competition judged by Crystal Cline, Bill Long, and Nikki Foster.

The dance floor pulsed with classic moves, including the sprinkler, the running man, and even a surprise worm. Judges scored contestants on creativity, costume, and crowd appeal, while audience members voted with dollars to support their favorite dancers.

A fundraising twist added suspense was a Golden Advantage Card, awarded to the highest fundraiser, which allowed the recipient to eliminate a fellow contestant. That honor went to Kristen Hajduk, who raised $4,145.

When the glitter settled, Tim Mawyer claimed the title of Dueling Disco Dance-Off Hero Champion, thrilling the crowd with charm and commitment. His name will be the first engraved on what organizers hope becomes a long-standing tradition.

As an added bonus, Cars Changing Lives donated their 75th vehicle to a local mother of three. Mawyer symbolically accepted the keys, showing how a dance can go far beyond the stage.

Final Tally: Every Dollar Dancing for a Purpose

Here’s what the event raised:

Silent Auction: $2,036
Live Auction: $13,500
50/50 Raffle: $1,190
Public Dance-Off: $235
“Shot Bar” Donations: $790
Piano Tips: $61
Hero Contributions: $18,600
Sponsorships & Tickets: $45,200
Hold My Heart Campaign: $18,609

Total: $101,442 (not including the vehicle donation)

A Community That Shows Up—and Shows Heart

“This isn’t just about raising money,” said Veitenthal. “It’s about making sure every child in Warren County feels seen, valued, and supported.”

From a sparkling dance floor to quiet moments of compassion, the Dueling Disco Fundraiser was a celebration of what happens when a community comes together with open arms and open hearts.

Want to help?You can still sponsor a heart and support a local student in need. Visit www.hikekidzfoundation.org to learn more.