The sixth annual Dancing with the Freeborn County Stars raised almost $35,000, which will be used to support the work of the American Red Cross in Freeborn County. The dance contest took place Saturday at the auditorium of Albert Lea High School.

The Top Fundraisers Award was won by Mary Nelson and LaMar Staloch.

Audience Choice winners were Angie Stadheim and Seth Stadheim dancing the cha-cha. The Star Award, which combines judges’ scores plus the money attendees put in fishbowls at the event, were Mary Nelson and LaMar Staloch.

The 2012 dancers were Melanie Bloom and Rusty Dawkins, Angie Stadheim and Seth Stadheim, Mary and Nathan Johnson, Mary Nelson and LaMar Staloch, Dr. Tom and Linda Lang, Haley Allen and Sergio Chavez, Colleen and Roger Zeman and Kristen Dulas and Bryce Nelson. Dance coaches Roberta Grahn and Lynette and Brian Dawley helped the couples master their steps.

The sixth annual Dancing with the Freeborn County Stars event was co-chaired by Cathy Porter and Steve Bonine.

“They and their committee did an outstanding job for this community event,” said Elaine Hansen, the executive director of the Freeborn County and Mower County chapters of the American Red Cross.