From staff reports

CANTON –– This year’s annual “Dancing for the Children” fundraiser for the Service League of Cherokee County promises an evening of excitement for those in attendance and for the local celebrities who will take the dance floor for the competition.

Legendary former University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley will be the guest of honor at this year’s celebrity dance challenge and 47th Annual Service League Ball, hosted by the Service League in conjunction with corporate partner and presenting sponsor, Northside Hospital-Cherokee.

In the weeks leading up to the event, which is slated for April 27 at the Marriott Hotel in Alpharetta, the Service League will auction 10 VIP seats at Dooley’s private, stage-side table. Bidding will be conducted online starting Friday, with the 10 seats awarded to the highest bidders.

The “Dancing for the Children” competition is in its third year as the featured event for the Service League’s historic Annual Ball.

Dancers in the competition include local celebrities and dignitaries who have committed to raising a minimum of $2,500 each in sponsorship dollars, while also training and partnering with professional dance instructors in preparation for the competition.

“We expect another sold out event,” said Service League member April Turner, who chairs the 2013 Annual Ball along with co-chairs Brittany Hayes and Holli Kimsey.

More than 400 people attended last year’s competition, and the new venue — the Marriott Hotel on Windward

Parkway in Alpharetta — will accommodate more than 500 guests.

Already, more than 70 percent of the available seats have been purchased, Turner said.

Tickets are $75 per seat. To purchase tickets or make a bid on the seats at Dooley’s table visit www.ServiceLeague.net

All proceeds benefit needy children in Cherokee County, providing basics such as clothing and eyeglasses while also supporting camps, scholarships and more.