OAK HARBOR -- Five Ottawa County "stars" and their dance partner instructors competed Saturday night in the Ottawa County Stars Dance for CASA.

The Court Appointed Special Advocates program supports volunteers who are the voices for children who have been abused or neglected, and are involved in judicial proceedings.

The scene was straight from an episode of the wildly popular dance on ABC. Guests dressed in their best evening attire and dancers in colorful costumes gathered for the sake of the county's kids.

A shimmering disco ball hung from the ceiling in the center of the dance floor. Gold stars dangled above the heads of more than 200 spectators.

Shining up their dancing shoes for the event were Mike Bassett, owner of Bassett's Market and his dance instructor Mary Ann Snider, The Ballet School, Port Clinton; Kim Dusseau, president of Benton Carroll Salem Board of Education and Hank Fox, Class A Performing Arts, Oak Harbor; Carol Fox, director of Youth Ministry at Immaculate Conception Church and Timothy Nyman, Black Tie Dance Studio, Sandusky; Steve Levorchick, captain of operations, Ottawa County Sheriff's Department and Annessia Nyman, Black Tie Dance Studio; and Jodi Regal, Ottawa County auditor and Craig Olszewski, Black Tie Dance Studio.

Municipal court Judge Fritz Hany also was slated to dance, but his partner was unable to participate.

Probate and Juvenile Judge Kathleen Giesler, who danced last year, was master of ceremonies.

"Celebrity" judges were Carl Koebel, retired county commissioner; Jim Sass, county commissioner; and Port Clinton Mayor Debbie Tester.

The mayor, who was last year's champion, gave a special encore dance performance.

Another guest performance was given by students from Class A Performing Arts, who danced a hip hop routine to the music of Michael Jackson.

Members of the audience voted for their favorites by placing money in a box carried to each table by the evening's host Sheriff Robert Bratton, who also occasionally offered up comic relief.

Each dancer and his or her assigned instructor practiced a couple times a week for five to six weeks.

Jodi Regal said when she was asked to dance, she didn't hesitate. She had only one request of her instructor. She asked "can't we do a dance where I end up on my butt on the floor?"

And she did. Dressed in a tie-dyed tee and afro wig, her swing dance brought laughter to the audience as it ended with a fast spin on her backside.

Mike Bassett, who performed a tango dance remix, joked that he was a dancer this year because he was a "bad judge last year." His wife, Debbi, said, "It's fun to see him relax."

Steve Levorchick's co-workers were there to cheer him on. Some said he was nervous. But records clerk Angie Rahm said she practiced with him twice and he seemed confident and smooth.

Two trophies were awarded. The Judge's Choice, which was based on highest entertainment value, went to Carol Fox, who, in her feathered and sequined dress, danced the quickstep.

After her bouncy integration of swing and funk, Kim Dusseau walked away with the Champion title, based on the most money raised.

Last year the event raised more than $7,000. This year's figures won't be available until mid-week.

Kami Sayre, executive director of Ottawa County CASA, said attendance was up this year and a raffle was added. She is hopeful that contributions will be up.

"Abused and neglected children in Ottawa County count on CASA volunteers to make their voices heard," Sayre said. "With this outpouring of community support, volunteers are able to make an even bigger impact in the children's lives."

Anyone interested in more information on the CASA program should call 419-734-7705 or e-mail casa@co.ottawa.oh.us.