In an effort to raise money for Alzheimer's, Georgia Tech baseball assistant coach Tom Kinkelaar will compete in "Dancing Stars of Atlanta" on Sunday, May 16 at The Foundry at Puritan Mill.
Kinkelaar will be one of 10 local Atlanta celebrities paired up with 10 professional dancers to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association. The event is similar to the popular show on ABC entitled "Dancing with the Stars," and will follow this concept to bring it to life in Atlanta.
"There are over five million Americans who are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease, and we are all candidates for that," Kinkelaar said. "I figured I would step out of my comfort zone to help the cause, because I think it is a worthy cause. In a small way, I hope I am doing something that can help influence others to contribute in the fight against Alzheimer's."
Kinkelaar has been training at the Daza Dance Academy in Alpharetta, Ga., for the past few weeks, and will be paired with professional dancer Virginia Coker for the event.
The list of celebrities he will compete against includes Sheree Whitfield from the popular show "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," Atlanta Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann and accomplished singer-songwriter Cindy Lou Harrington.
"I like to think our chances are as good as anybody," said Kinkelaar, who will be performing a smooth waltz dance with his partner. "I'm trying as hard as I can. I don't want to embarrass myself, but it's not easy. I definitely have a little more respect for people that do these things."
The People's Choice Award will be accepted by the dancer who raises the most individual dollars (each vote counting as a dollar), while the Judge's Choice Award will be given to the dancer with the highest score.
Information on the event and how to make a contribution in Kinkelaar's name can be found online at www.dancingstarsofatlanta.kintera.org or by contacting Jeanne Hastings at 404.728.6046 or Jeanne.hastings@alz.org.
