Getting ready to compete, from left to right: Sgt. Janson Memmen and Robin Doeden, Scott and Jodi Iddings. (Photo by Adela Crandell Durkee/for Chronicle Media

McHenry County “stars” stepped onto the dance floor Oct. 24 at the Chrystal Lake Holiday Inn.

The eight couples danced everything from the Jitterbug to the Waltz, the Rumba to the Fox Trot, and the Swing to the Cha Cha Cha, with some Tango and Samba added for spice.

According to the gala event’s host and Diaper Bank of Northern Illinois Director, the Rev. Phyllis Mueller, the first annual “Dancing for Diapers! Dancing with OUR Stars event raised money for the least recognized local charity.”

The Diaper Bank distributes 250,000 diapers a year, free of charge, to people in need throughout the county. They partner with other local services like Fish Food Pantry, 1^st Way Life Center, The Vine, and Senior Services Associated to provide diapers to four vulnerable populations: infant and children, children and adults with disabilities, the elderly, and those suffering through illness.

The son of one recipient explained, that the service “delivers you from the bondage that can come with age.”

Other service recipients gave testimony to the relief the Diaper Bank provides.

Mueller reminded attendees that government safety net programs like Food Stamps, WIC, and Medicare, do not cover diapers.

A normal infant uses up to 12 diapers a day. Healthy but incontinent seniors can become homebound if they cannot afford diapers and incontinence is among the most common reasons for the elderly being placed in nursing homes.

Jackie and Frank Fenze and Cinnamon Trammel and Karen Bloom taught eight amateur couples how to make the dances look effortless. Other local businesses loaned their expertise as make-up artists, hairstylist, and help with costumes.

Tina Bree from Star 105.5 emceed the event with her recognizable humor and good cheer. Other local businesses donated Silent Auction items and helped with logistics, photography and details, too numerous to mention, that the event required.

The stars for the evening included:

Joe Ann Hurst and Karri Thiesen, who danced the Jitterbug to “Rock Around the Clock.” They looked the part with Hurst’s poodle skirt and saddle shoes and Thiesen’s dungarees and leather jacket. This couple created and grew Astro Insulation in McHenry County for 17 years.

Staff Sgt. Jason Memmen and Robin Doeden floated through the Walz to “Fascination” with elegance and style. Memmen began his career in the Illinois Army National Guard at the age of 17 and has served for the past 11 years. He is the first MCC veteran student in the college’s history to serve as the student trustee. Doeden is the Executive Director of the McHenry County community Foundation, where she helps distribute more than $1 million in grants each year across McHenry County.

Scott and Jodi Iddings glammed and glittered through the Cha Cha Cha. Scott may have been the most flamboyant dancer with his glittered stingy-brimmed fedora and red-ruffed shirt. Jodi, a Huntley native is a special education preschool teacher and Scott is the principal at Leggee School in Huntley. They begged the audience to “be kind,” because it was their first time on the dance floor.

Dr. Bob Peterson and Penny Hughs performed a steamy Tango across the dance floor to “El Chocó” (Kiss of Fire.) Peterson is an optometrist in McHenry and a City of McHenry alderman. Hughes is the owner of Hughes Sign, and an active member of Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Karen M. Lavin and Wayne Heinmiller demanded a little R-e-s-p-e-c-t on the dance floor as they did the East Coast Swing to “Respect.” Lavin is a Chicago Kent College of Law graduate who prosecuted serious crimes, including rape, aggravated battery and attempted murder, from 1982-86, after which she shifted into civil practice. Heinmiller grew up listening to Motown in the Detroit area. He is a volunteer at the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva and the Public Museum in Elgin when he is now trouble-shooting new technologies for AT&T.

Heidi and Michael Klepitsch spiced up “The Ketchup Song” with a little Salsa dancing. Klepitsch is a principal at Apex Project Management, providing building design and construction project management for commercial, industrial, and even residential projects.

Dr. Ramon and Jackie Gonzalez danced the Samba to “Zuzu.” Born in Mexico City, Ramon met Jacquelyn while working for a federal grant at District 300. He opened Associated Family Physicians in 1999. Jacquelyn came from Minnesota and was taught physical education in District 300 when the couple met. Jackie may have been one of the more experienced dancers, as she is a regular Jazzerciser.

The winning dancers, Debbie and Gil Gulbrandson lived and served in the Cary-Fox River Grove area all their for over 25 years. They fittingly danced the Fox Trot to “A Wink and a Smile.” Cary Physical Therapy and Gulbrandson Orthotics felt honored to be part of the Diaper Bank’s efforts. According to judges they had “great use of the floor,” “great chemistry between the two of them,” and “right on with the musical points.” Their winning moves are on YouTube.

Mueller said that her gratitude is limitless, for all of the hard work, and the gifts of self, which everyone provided to create the evening. “Many lives will be better for the combined efforts, because diapers are not a luxury, they are a necessity. Together we will secure our future mission.”

From birth through maturity, the complications of not having diapers threaten the health, safety, and wellness of many people. Oct. 24 was the first of many Dancing for Diapers events to help eliminate the emotional and physical problems that come with those complications.

–McHenry County “stars” dance for diapers–