Pittsburgh Stars Swing, Swirl and Sway at the Sheraton

By Rosemary Garrity

The second annual “Dancing With Pittsburgh Stars” once again benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through the dedication of the” Nick and Hayden’s Heroes” supporters.

Last year over 450 people attended the “Dancing With Pittsburgh Stars” event benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. According to co-chair, Kathy Kutcher, “This year we would like to see the room filled to capacity, and the room holds 6oo!”  Ticket sales are going very well, and why not?  This is one of the most enjoyable fundraisers in the area. 

Two of the “stars” who will be dancing are Peggy Finnegan (left with David Geidel) of WPXI-TV and Keith Jones from KDKA-TV.  “This is the second year of their involvement” said Rhea Nicotra, the other co-chair, and tha speaks volumes about this event.”

Nicotra, whose daughter Christa is the mother of Hayden and Nick, got the idea to stage this kind of event from  another daughter, Amber, who is an anchor in Youngstown, Ohio. Hayden was first diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited chronic disease that mainly affects the lungs and digestive system.  It causes great difficulty in breathing because of the thick, sticky mucous that clogs the lungs. CF is one of the most common life-threatening diseases that affects many thousands  of children and adults.  Kathy and Rhea, who have been friends for a long time, formed “Hayden’s Heroes,”  and when Nick was born and was diagnosed with CF, the name was changed to ‘Nick and Hayden’s Heroes.”  They are striving to earn as much money as possible for  the Foundation so that a cure may be found for this debilitating disease.

The black-tie option gala at the Four Points Sheraton in Cranberry on September 7th, features local celebrities dancing with instructors from Arthur Murray Dance Studios.  Dancers are judged not only on their dancing skills, but on how much money they raise for the CF Foundation, Sally Wiggin, popular WTAE-TV anchor, will join the group of celebrities this year.  Wiggin supports as many CF events as possible because she has a friend whose son has cystic fibrosis .  She’s looking forward to the September 7th event, although she says, I’m about as graceful as an orangutan on the dance floor!!” No-one who knows Sally will ever believe that!!

Attendees will have the opportunity to dine on specialties from over twenty of Pittsburgh’s best restaurants from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. and can also enjoy bidding on some great auction items. The John Parker Band will provide music for the evening.  The celebrities and their partners will compete for the coveted first place title. Last year more than $30,000 was raised and they hope to increase that number this year. 

Tickets are $100 and interested parties are encouraged to make reservations ASAP.  For more information, call Kathy: 724-538-3395, Christa: 724-935-0353 or email rhean@nauticom.net.

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