Carson City’s Dancing with the Stars contest raising big bucks for budding nurses

Funds raised for the Western Nevada College chapter of the National Student Nurses Association by Carson City’s Dancing with the Stars competition and related business contributions approached $14,000 by midweek, said Lindsey DiMartino, president of the WNC chapter and organizer of the event.

She said Wednesday that $13,000 was already in hand, and follow-up with business firms should take the total higher. The money was raised to help 13 WNC chapter members attend a National Student Nurses Association conference in Charlotte, N.C., next month. The conference, set for April 3-7, gives participants opportunities for leadership roles and nursing scholarships.

The Dancing with the Stars Carson City competition, a live local version of the hit television show, featured various local luminaries. Among them were District Attorney Neil Rombardo, Sheriff Ken Furlong, Supervisor Karen Abowd and last Saturday night’s winner, Vannesa Macais, who is Miss Carson City. Contestants performed their dance routines with various experienced dance partners.