Atlantic Area CASA hosted its fifth annual Dancing with the Stars of the Coastal Empire on March 3, which featured four local stars paired with professional dancers. This year was combined former winners alongside newcomers to participate in the event.

Nina Dean was named Best Female Dancer and Top Fundraiser, alongside her professional dance partner, William Mastriani of Salon de Baile in Savannah. Dean also took both awards in 2017.

Second-place female dancer went to Lori Agnew, alongside her partner independent professional Derrek Walters. Third-place female winner went to Beate Wickham, alongside her partner Ken Howard of A&I Butterfly Ballroom in Savannah. Best Male Dancer went to Anton Green and his professional partner Teresa Merritt of Life Moves Dance Studio in Savannah.

Dawn Baker of WTOC served as Mistress of Ceremony and 94.1 the Beat and CJ the DJ performed during the after party.

The purpose of the annual Dancing with The Stars event is to bring awareness to CASA and provide funding for volunteers. CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, is part of a national and state network of court-sanctioned community-based volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.

Atlantic Area CASA thanks those who supported, attended and sponsored this event, including premiere sponsors Vaden Nissan, Realty Executives of Liberty, Liberty Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Jones, Osteen and Jones.

To become a CASA volunteer, call 912-876-3816 or visit www.atlanticcasa.org.