Michigan Mortgage Supports Dancing with the Local Stars

The 12th annual Dancing with the Local Stars Muskegon event will feature the largest cast to date, including of our very own.

Loan Officer and Co-Branch Manager Dave Lehner is one of 42 local stars teaming up with 11 professional dancers to raise money for local food pantries and programs.

“It’s a fun way to help our local community,” Dave said. “Our office takes pride in giving back and this is a great cause to support.”

His group includes: Nate Johnson, reentry and outreach director for Fresh Coast Alliance; Jonathan Seyferth, Coopersville city manager; Melanie Swiftney, author and director of marketing and communications for the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation; Patti Winsemius, dance instructor at Cassell Training Center.

His professional dance partner is Carly Switzer, diagnostic medical sonographer at Spectrum Health Butterworth and Blodgett Hospitals, a seven-year participant of the event.

“The practices are fun but hard,” Dave said. “We have to learn a lot of moves and keep the beat at the same time, but we will be ready to perform for the big night!”

Last year, the Muskegon event raised more than $135,000. Dave hopes to help raise even more money this year. Dancing with the Local Stars has raised over $1 million since its creation.

“Our goal is to beat the amount we raised last year,” said Shawn Norden, Michigan Mortgage Loan Officer and Dancing with the Local Stars Co-Chair of the Sponsor Committee. “Right now, we are on record pace! We could not do any of this without the help of our event sponsors.”

Much like Dave, Shawn has recognized a hunger issue in our community and is willing to do anything she can to help.

“We donate the funds collected from this event to food pantries and programs in Muskegon County, Northern Ottawa County and Southern Oceana County,” she said. “These recipients depend on our funds every year.”

Performances will take place the evenings of February 27-29, with an additional matinee on Saturday, February 29. Tickets went on sale on January 2 and sold out within days.

“I am looking forward to laughing, getting laughed at by my friends and family and showing off my dance moves,” Dave said.

If you’d like to donate, stop by our office and look for Dave’s decorated box. Thank you in advance for your support!