If you have never seen an episode of Dancing with the Stars, the premise is simple: a celebrity, with little or no dance experience, is paired with a professional dancer.  Each week, the couples learn a new dance style and then perform in front of a live audience.  The show is a thrilling spectacle, displaying different types of dance choreographed to popular songs. 

Project Safe, a local non-profit that provides services for victims of domestic abuse, saw an opportunity to produce a Dancing with the Stars-esque show that could raise thousands and thousands of dollars to benefit the organization.  After raising over $95,000 in 2009, the 2010 Dancing with the Athens Stars is bound to surpass that number.

This year, the ballroom dance competition features local stars including chef Hugh Acheson (Five & Ten), Clarke County Sheriff Ira Edwards and our very own CEO Jim Vanden Berg.  Jim and his partner Michelle Collin have been practicing for several months to prepare for the big show on Sunday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at the Classic Center. 

Jim makes the perfect candidate for the dancing competition.  He has no previous dance experience.  

“I am not a professional dancer,” Jim emphatically explained, ”so I am going to have as much fun as I can.”  While he admitted it was a struggle at first, he knew he was in good hands with his partner Michelle Collin.

“Michelle said ‘one day it will become clear,” Jim recalled.  Michelle, a dance instructor at the Studio Dance Academy, found a willing student in Jim.

“He catches on pretty well,” Michelle explained, “the more he does it, the more he gets it.” 

While there were many challenges that faced Jim and Michelle, one challenge stuck out the most.  Jim is 6′5 and Michelle is 5′4.  The height difference presented some problems when the couple first started their training.  They tried three or four styles from salsa to rumba before settling on the East Coast Swing.  Even then, some modifications needed to be made.

“We had to change a few things in the swing dance to fit the height,” Michelle explained.  Jim and Michelle will perform to the song ”Footloose.”  Their dance will include “a little bit of fun from the movie.”

As inspiration for their upcoming performance, the real Dancing with the Stars provided a bit of guidance for the eager dancers. 

“It’s amazing how they take dancers like me and turn it into something,” Jim related.  As for their favorite DWTS performers, Jim enjoyed following Donnie Osmond while Michelle was inspired by former dancer Julianne Hough.

“She always tried to make it fun.  You see personality added.  That’s part of the reason we went with ‘Footloose,’” Michelle explained.

Jim and Michelle are well on their way to becoming the 2010 People’s Choice Winner.  They are currently in second place in voting.  However, they are ready to walk away with the other trophy, the Judges’ Choice Award, as well.

“They call it a competition.  We have a competitive mindset.  We want to win,” Michelle revealed. 

With only two weeks away from the big show, Jim and Michelle are ready to hit the dance floor and claim the Judges’ Choice Trophy and the People’s Choice Trophy.  Be there to cheer them on and congratulate them on their victory! Tickets are on sale for $15 in The Georgia Club Administration Office and the Pro Shop.  Tickets are also available online at the Classic Center Web site and you can cast your votes for Couple #3 online at Project Safe.

Get ready to cut loose!

This March, The Georgia Club CEO Jim Vanden Berg will be trading the boardroom for the ballroom as he heads to the dance floor for the Third Annual Dancing with the Athens Stars.  An event benefitting Project Safe, Dancing with the Athens Stars will take place at the Classic Center on Sunday, March 21.

Before you place your votes or purchase your tickets, think about where your money is going.  Project Safe is a local 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization working to end domestic violence through crisis intervention, prevention education and ongoing supportive services.  In 2009, Project Safe provided 18,587 services to clients in need in the local community.  Those services include a safe shelter, a 24-hour hotline, support groups and emergency financial assistance. 

Jim Vanden Berg and Partner Michelle Collin

A spectacular event, Dancing with the Athens Stars will feature 12 couples made up of well-known Athens’ figures and professional dancers, who will take to the dance floor to show off their preferred style of ballroom dance.  After several months of rehearsals, Jim and his partner Michelle Collin will perform the East Coast Swing.  Two trophies will be awarded at the end of the night, one for the Judges’ Favorite and the other for the couple with the most votes.

The “Dancing with the Stars”-esque show is an exciting event for all Athenians.  The event, which will take place in the heart of Downtown Athens at the Classic Center, is a  major source of funds for Project Safe.  Last year’s event raised $95,000!  With the strengthening support and star power, the 2010 event is bound to surpass that number.

The easiest way you can help is to vote! Show your support for both Jim and Michelle and Project Safe.  One dollar donated equals one vote per couple ($50 = 50 votes.) Votes can be placed at www.Project-Safe.org or can be mailed to Project Safe at P.O. Box 7532 Athens, GA 30604.  Votes will be counted until the last intermission of the show.

Secondly, you can support Project Safe by attending the show on Sunday, March 21 at the Classic Center.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the night of the show.  All ticket sales will go directly to Project Safe.  Tickets will be available for purchase beginning in March.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.ClassicCenter.com or at the Classic Center.

Twenty-five vendors and more than 160 guests from all over Georgia and South Carolina attended the Weddings of Georgia Bridal Expo in August, hosted by The Georgia Club. Event Coordinator Brooke Tallon and Summer Special Events Intern Megan Marshall worked together to create four Georgia Club “tablescapes” for every different type of bride. This feature at the Expo was designed to demonstrate the versatility of The Georgia Club facilities as a wedding venue.

“We decided to showcase a few fully designed tables so that brides could really imagine their wedding here,” Marshall said. “To pick the design elements, I scoured the internet through my favorite wedding design blogs and web sites to pick a particular look and feel for each table.”

The result was four beautifully-designed tables, each one representing a particular season, as shown below.

The spring “Garden Party” table was geared toward the ethereal bride with romantic accents of pink and green.

The summer “Southern Charm” themed table was a reflection of the traditional touches of the south complete with mason jars, bright, bold colors, and even lemons in the centerpiece.

The autumn “Fall Flora and Fauna” table was exquisitely crafted to reflect the richness of fall in Georgia, with intense copper, eggplant, and scarlet shades and hypericum berries.

The “Wintery Wow” table was focused on the glam bride with crystals, baubles, and lots of bling.

A special thanks goes out to Gardenia Floral Design and The Fun Stuff, who volunteered to provide floral arrangements and tabletop/chair rentals for The Georgia Club to use during the Expo.

“With the help of our amazing vendors and staff, all of the elements came together to present four equally beautiful but visably different wedding looks,” Marshall said.

The tables were a huge hit with the brides and The Georgia Club encouraged them to picture themselves, whatever their style, as the centerpiece of a Georgia Club wedding. Let us know how we can help translate your special event vision into reality by calling us at 770-725-8100.

Richard Brown and Brooke Tallon with Jim Vanden Berg

Recognition for hard work and going the extra mile keeps the employees at The Georgia Club satisfied and happy doing their jobs. The Georgia Club recognizes monthly those employees whose time, efforts and enthusiasm have stood out among the rest.

From the pool of “Team Member of the Month” recipients, two employees who exemplify the efficiency, professionalism and class that The Georgia Club strives for receive prestigious yearly titles.

And the winners are…

2008’s Team Member of the Year goes to Brooke Tallon. Brooke began work as Assistant Event Coordinator in May of 2008. Her charming and helpful manner puts brides, grooms and their families at ease, knowing every dream, wish or expectation of their special day will not only be met, but exceeded. 

Brooke has taken our marketing materials to the next level with her design skills. Her creative enthusiasm shines through with each work of art. Look for Brooke’s masterpieces displayed throughout many areas of the Clubhouse and at each Post Office.

The “Whatever It Takes” Award for 2008 goes to Richard Brown on the Golf staff. This award recognizes team members who go above and beyond their regular duties at The Georgia Club.

Since joining the Golf staff in February of 2002, Richard has always volunteered for additional duties outside of the golf department, and he takes the initiative to do things to improve our operation. Last year, Richard cleaned up and rearranged the downstairs bag room area and the cart barn area. His co-workers recognize him as a “true team player” and attitude’s like his are essential to the success of The Georgia Club.

Loyal, hard working employees like Brooke and Richard make being a part of The Georgia Club a wonderful experience. We are lucky to have them as a part of our team and congratulations again to both!