HERMISTON — Six area residents will waltz across the stage during Dancing with the Hermiston Stars. Presented by the Hermiston Education Foundation, the event is Oct. 26, 7 p.m. in the Hermiston High School auditorium, 600 S. First St.

In its 11th year, local “stars” will pair up with a professional from the Utah Ballroom Dance Company while vying for the mirror ball trophy. In addition, each dancer will raise money for their designated nonprofit organization that is centered around helping students in the local community, said Maryanna Hardin, Hermiston School District’s chief communications officer.

“Dancing with the Hermiston Stars is a beloved community event that brings together locals, celebrates talent and supports meaningful causes,” Hardin said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, cheer on friends and neighbors, and contribute to local initiatives.”

This year’s competitors and the causes they are dancing for are: Romaine Smith (Special Olympics), Caroline Basso (Made to Thrive), Nichole Ramirez (Hermiston Youth Cheerleading Camps), Delfino Osorio Garcia (Hermiston Jr. Bulldogs Football), Makaylee Young (Hermiston Hurricanes Track Program) and Roger Pope (Hermiston Education Foundation).

The winner, Hardin said, is determined through a cumulative process. Audience members in attendance use their admission tickets as a vote. Additional votes are generated through monetary donations to the dancer’s causes.

George Clough, co-president of the HEF board of trustees, said the foundation pays all associated costs to bring the Utah Ballroom Dance Company to Hermiston. The money raised by the dancer who represents HEF during the event, Clough said, usually provides enough to cover expenses for the event. The education foundation has coordinated the event since 2019.

“HEF took over sponsoring the activity when the Desert Arts Council, which originally sponsored the event, ceased to exist,” Clough said. “All the funds raised by the dancers listed for the other charitable organizations go to that nonprofit to support their programs.”

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and are available at the HHS office and the district office, 305 SW 11th St. For more information, search www.hermiston.k12.or.us.