Chicago area Arthur Murray franchisee Jill DeMarlo created Dancing with Chicago Celebrities in 2006. Believing that the dance floor is a wonderful place for people to come together, she took her enthusiasm for dancing and putting on great dance events and channelled all of that into a wonderful fundraiser to help in the fight against breast cancer, a cause she cares deeply about.

“This event is truly a team effort,” said Jane Melvin, event chair. “Jill DeMarlo created a spectacular event and continues to provide the creative force behind it. We are lucky to have such generous and gifted professional dancers at Arthur Murray here in Chicago, and we know that with this team of amazing dance professionals, the event will grow every year. Our celebrities have been incredibly generous with their time and continue to be the foundation of our success. In 2007 we were thrilled to welcome some wonderful corporate sponsors including Discovery Communications, Motorola, Universal McCann, Fidelity Investments, and LeNique. Through these kinds of partnerships we know that we will make a very significant contribution to the fight against breast cancer.”

Every year since its inception, this wonderful evening has raised signicant funds which have been donated to The Chicagoland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For the Cure and the fight against breast cancer right here in Chicago.

For more than 20 years, Susan G. Komen For the Cure has been a global leader in the fight against breast cancer through its support of innovative research and community-based outreach programs. Working through a network of U.S. and international Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, the Komen Foundation is fighting to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by funding research grants and supporting education, screening and treatment projects in communities around the world.

Arthur Murray Dance Centers in Chicago is once again pleased to present the event and has again elected that the proceeds be donated to the Chicago affiliate of the Komen Foundation in 2009.