The Carolina Theatre of Durham Raises More than $98,000 at Fundraiser

Second Annual “Dancing With The Carolina Stars” raises thousands for the historic theater’s programs 

DURHAM, NC — May 31, 2023 — The Carolina Theatre of Durham’s annual “Dancing With The Carolina Stars” fundraiser raised more than $98,000. Funds raised from the event will support the historic nonprofit theater’s community and educational programs, and building preservation. 

“Dancing With The Carolina Stars” featured local celebrities paired with professional dancers in a dance competition to raise money for the theater. Pairs included Orlando Aguilar, co-owner of H2O Hair Salon and Spa and Norberto Herrera, founder of Mambo Dinamico Dance Company; Vernetta Alston, former Durham councilmember and current state representative and Willie Hinton, Director of Contemporary Dance at Graceful Expressions Dance Company; Keely Arthur, investigative reporter for WRAL News and David Therrell, professional ballroom dancer and teacher; Shannon Healy, co-owner of Alley Twenty Six and Nicole Oxendine, founder of Empower Dance Studio; and Andrea Moore, prizewinning opera singer and co-owner of Alley Twenty Six and Michelle Dorrance, professional tap dancer.

The event also featured a special performance from Wool E. Bull and Beaver Queen, Pain Fonda.

Andrea Moore and Michelle Dorrance won the competition with their tapdance performance.
Following the event, jazz band Dreamroot, DJ Gemynii, Wesley Nóog, and afrolatino fusion band Caique Vidal & Batuque performed at the after-party.

“Dancing With The Carolina Stars” was presented by the Adam Dickinson Realty Group.

“The community really came out to support the Carolina Theatre and our ‘Dancing With The Carolina Stars’ fundraiser,” says Randy McKay, President and CEO of the Carolina Theatre. “Their generosity is allowing the theater to launch new sensory-friendly and free family programming, expand our school programs, and broaden the ways the theater is able to support our community.”

To support the Carolina Theatre, visit carolinatheatre.org to make a donation. 

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About The Carolina Theatre of Durham: 

Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which manages the city-owned Carolina Theatre at 309 W. Morgan Street, Durham, NC 27701. Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. is dedicated to presenting vibrant, thought-provoking film and live performances that contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of downtown Durham and the Triangle Region. More information at carolinatheatre.org. 

Contact: Jordan Hewitt Beard 

Senior Director of Marketing, Carolina Theatre of Durham 

(919) 560-3040 | jordan@carolinatheatre.org