The Dancing with the Freeborn-Mower Stars competition was Saturday at Albert Lea High School. The Top Fundraisers Award was won by Phil and Afton Wacholz. The Audience Choice Award winners were Donna Berry and Dylan Kaercher who danced the east coast swing. The Star Award, which combines judges’ scores plus the money attendees put in fishbowls at the event were Phil and Afton Wacholz who danced the waltz. The dancers with the support of the Freeborn and Mower counties raised more than $35,000 for the local Red Cross.

“I’m delighted with the quality of the show this year,” Cathy Porter, event chair woman said. “In addition to our wonderful volunteer dancers and our coaches, we have a terrific committee that makes sure every aspect of the production runs smoothly.”

Porter also gave kudos to Chris Avery, Jan Birkhofer, Ebenezer Howe III, Dipika Karan, Steve Bonine and the volunteers they recruited for a job well done.

“I love that this has become a community event in support of the American Red Cross, so appropriate for an organization that stands ready to help this same community in times of need,” Porter said. “Thank you to all of our dancers and supporters. We are looking forward to the eighth annual event.”