United Way Delaware hosts Evening with the Stars

United Way of Delaware hosted its first marquee event March 29, led by two community leaders and United Way supporters, Tamika Sainten, North America human resources director for CIGNA, and Maria Martin, divisional vice president of CWA Local 13101 with Verizon. Despite a very rainy Saturday, nearly 400 “stars” throughout the community came out to celebrate the collective work and impact of United Way of Delaware.

An Evening with the Stars transformed Dover Downs Hotel & Casino into a scene out of Hollywood as guests were greeted by the evening’s Hollywood reporter Nichelle McKelvey-Polston of WHYY’s "First," on the red carpet to answer interview questions, pose with Oscars and have their picture taken by paparazzi.

Décor including life-size Oscars, film strips of the Delaware community, director's chairs and Hollywood stars blanketed the ballrooms. Celebrity look-alikes including Tina Turner, Carrie Underwood, Grace Jones, Audrey Hepburn, Indiana Jones, Donald Trump, and Austin Powers danced the night away. The sounds of Big City, an eight-member cover band, delighted the crowd with music that kept everyone moving on the dance floor. Guests also had the opportunity to bid on an array of more than 80 donated silent auction items including a seven-day, six-night resort stay in Baja, Mexico.

“The success of An Evening with the Stars could not have happened without the support of the Delaware community, our sponsors, our volunteers, and our respective partners,” said Michelle A. Taylor, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Delaware.

For more information, to make a contribution, to advocate, or to volunteer, go to www.uwde.org or call 302-573-3731.