A different kind of carnival was in town for the 14th Annual Lip Sync benefiting Danny & Ron’s Rescue Sunday evening February 20th at Wellington International. Instead of trying their hand at carnival games, kids performed on stage to raise money for the 501(c)(3) non-profit dog rescue based out of Camden, SC, and Wellington, FL. Attendees and performers filled the Blue Ribbon Club at Wellington International for an elegant and fun night of dinner, drinks, and a show to benefit the equestrian community’s most beloved dog rescue.

A total of seven teams vied for top titles in the Lip Sync competition, such as “Most Money Raised” and “Battle of the Barns.” Ultimately, Team Upper Echelon Academy took the top spot in money raised, and Team Sweet Crew won Battle of the Barns honors.

14th Annual Lip Sync Judges (From L-R): Danny Robertshaw, Mark Rein, Tara Rein, Ron Danta, Gloria Gaynor, Ki-Juan Minors © LS Photos

Celebrity judges joined Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta to decide the winners of each category, such as most creative, most inspirational, best lip syncing, best choreography, best production, and red carpet awards. Among them were the two-time grammy winner Gloria Gaynor, prominent equestrian figures Mark and Tara Rein, and singer, songwriter, and avid equestrian, Ki Juan Minors.

Gloria Gaynor Performs “I Will Survive” © LS Photos

Lip Sync founder Kim Adams Kolloff and emcee Brian Lookabill were the voices of the evening, bringing guests on a journey through the importance of dog rescue and rehabilitation and explaining to attendees the mission of Danny & Ron’s Rescue. The organization currently has multiple funds that supporters can donate to, including disaster relief, support for dogs in need of life-saving procedures that their owners cannot afford, and support for veterans and the elderly with dogs in need.

At the halfway point in the evening, some young performers took to the stage with large plush dogs in their arms. Attendees bid on different-sized stuffed animals intending to take one home in exchange for donating to the organization. Excitement filled the room as stuffed puppies were distributed to their new owners, and funds were raised for the live four-legged friends in need.

The final acts wrapped up the latter half of the evening as the judges cast their votes and donations for most money raised were tallied.

At the conclusion of the night, Robertshaw and Danta invited Gloria Gaynor to the stage for one final performance of her 1978 hit song, “I Will Survive,” before thanking everyone for their attendance and support in yet another extremely successful Lip Sync.

To learn more about Danny & Ron’s Rescue and how you can support dogs in need, visit dannyronsrescue.org.

Photos Credit: LS Photos

Date Posted: March 2, 2023