A fundraising record! On December 13, 2016, the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office raised a record $15,000 at its ‘3rd Annual Dancing with the Athletes’ competition. Similar to ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ this event pairs 10 CSO deputies with 10 Special Olympics athletes for freestyle and group dance routines. Deputy Freddie Parks and his daughter, Shayla, won the Mirrorball Trophy for ‘Best Overall Performance.’ Deputy Jonee Artis and her partner, Chad Jackson, came in a close 2nd place with a draw-dropping routine to ‘You’re the One That I Want’ from Grease. Awards were given for best ‘Group Dance Performance,’ ‘Best Costume’ and ‘Highest Fundraiser.’
Sheriff Jim O’Sullivan kicked off the event by explaining the inspiration behind the Special Olympics fundraiser and his commitment to the cause. Special thanks to the Chesapeake Conference Center for donating the venue, Unlimited Dance Dynamics for choreographing the routines and Virginia Extreme Force Cheerleading for sponsoring the event.