Dancing with the Reading Stars winners announced

May 1—Dancing with the Reading Stars, a popular fundraiser for arts education in Berks County, has announced its winners.

The competition, which raised more than $100,000, was held April 26 by the Yocum Institute for Arts Education at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Reading.

Inspired by the hit television show, the annual event showcases stars representing the county's diverse community, according to a release. The pairs dance and raise money to further Yocum's mission to provide arts education.

Nine dance pairs from various businesses and organizations throughout the area participated this year live on the DoubleTree dance floor. They took to the stage to perform dances spanning several styles, competing for votes from the audience members.

Funding was raised through sponsorships, donations and votes for the dance pairs. Votes were cast in $10 increments. Recognition is given to first, second and third place in the Fan Favorite category and Grand Champions first, second and third place is based on the pairs who raise the most funds.

The winners:

—Grand Champion 1st: Adam Void and Laura Berkowitz

—Grand Champion 2nd: Thomas and Katy Canseco

—Grand Champion 3rd : Troy Godinet and Minnie Ocasio

—Audience Favorite 1st: Edwin Rebeiro and Tatiana Roche

—Audience Favorite 2nd: Adam and Chloe Cifferi

—Audience Favorite 3rd: Thomas and Katy Canseco

The Yocum Institute for Arts Education is a multi-arts educational nonprofit organization helping to lead Berks County's arts education. It has been in operation for 87 years, working with people of all ages and abilities to be more creative and confident, the group said.

Yocum offers professional instruction in dance, karate, music, theatre and visual arts as well as arts integrated preschool and kindergarten programs, licensed by the state Department of Education. Community partnerships with local schools, colleges, universities, libraries and other nonprofits further Yocum's reach with both in-house and outreach learning,

Yocum programs directly impact more than 30,000 people each year, 80% of whom are under the age of 18 and half of whom are considered at risk, the group said.

The annual Dancing with the Reading Stars fundraising event supports ongoing operations, young audience productions, scholarships and outreach programs.