Eight county professionals participate in the “Dance with Butler County Celebrities” Saturday at the Butler Days Inn. The event, a fundraiser for the Butler County Symphony, was modeled after ABC's popular “Dancing with the Stars” show.

Hundreds turned out Saturday night for fox-trotting, Texas two-stepping, Lindy hopping local celebrities and raised nearly $40,000 to help the Butler County Symphony and its educational outreach programs.

“It was very exciting to learn something you've never learned before,” said Dr. Dean Balouris. “It was a lot of work. The song made it easier. It really engaged the crowd.”

The Butler ophthalmologist was one of eight county professionals participating in the “Dance with Butler County Celebrities” fundraiser at the Days Inn modeled after ABC's popular “Dancing with the Stars” show. His mighty merengue with professional dance partner Luanne O'Brien shared top honors during the first-ever event hosted by the Friends of the Symphony in conjunction with Dance with Pittsburgh Celebrities.

Read more in Monday's Butler Eagle