The third annual Dancing with the Story County Stars competition raised $37,582 for Heartland Senior Services on Friday night.

Kevin Brooks, CEO and president of South Story Bank & Trust, won the night’s main two awards: the Silver Trophy and Judge’s Choice.

Business representatives from the county paired with dance instructors to create the seven competing couples. The dance partners have 12 sessions to meet and learn the dances, starting in September.

Heartland has been serving Story County for more than 40 years. One service is an adult day center for those who cannot be left home alone safely. Ninety percent of those at the adult day center have dementia.

“Baby Boomers are on the horizon,” Nancy Carroll, Heartland’s executive director, said. “They will need our services for years to come.”

All funds from the event go to Heartland, but the dancers are eligible for a reward of their own. Emcee Jeff Iles called it the “coveted mirror ball trophy.” A previous winner confessed to having a shrine in her living room to the trophy.

Judges rate the dances on a scale of 1-10, and the audience votes through ballot envelopes. These are added to online donations taken before the event. Every dollar is worth one vote.

“Just like in Chicago!” Iles joked.

He was joined by Kelsey Bolte-Carper, a former ISU women’s basketball player, in introducing the dances.

Spotlight moments:

1. Liz Jeffrey’s sparkly dress. “I will outshine the competition. And maybe blind the judges.”

2. “Pair a marine with a quiet librarian…”

Lynne Carey appeared in a plaid jacket, white hat – and a large, black mustache. Dan Divine joined her on the edge of the floor in a curly blond wig, a floral dress, and fingernails painted by his daughter. Judge Trent Rice said he was speechless.

“Radio guy isn’t without words very often,” Rice said. “I knew it would be something different. Congratulations.”

3. Mark Jackson compared his partner and himself to the Jamaican Bobsled Team … or the Chicago Cubs. “We’re going to be first place, or dead last.” 

4. Daryle Vegge ripped off his pants during his polka to reveal bright orange shorts. The crowd hooted and hollered enthusiastically,  cheering when his partner Valerie Williams ended the dance perched on his hip. The crowd booed the judges for giving the duo straight eights.

5. Kevin Brooks clad in a pilot’s uniform. He finished the foxtrot to “Come Fly With Me” with a spin and a fist pump.

“I know what the entertainment will be at next year’s banker’s convention,” said Steve McGill, the third judge.

6. Caught by the emcee taking a group selfie, judge Sarah Buss sputtered “Miss Philippines won! Miss Columbia!” She was referencing the mistake made by Steve Harvey at the Miss Universe Pageant.

And the award goes to…

Judges’ Choice: Kevin Brooks

Silver Trophy for most money raised: Kevin Brooks for $12,215

Most elegant: Karen Youngberg

Best Costume: Liz Jeffrey

Most Entertaining: Lynne Carey and Dan Divine

Best Use of Music: Mark Jackson and Nicole Bramow

Best Choreography: Daryle Vegge

Best Footwork: Claudia Lemper

Rice joked Daryle Vegge was also awarded “Best Shortpants.”