Social media and digital marketing entrepreneur Donna Werking elevated stepping out of one’s comfort zone to new heights in April, performing a fiery samba with local dance professional Zach Leonard to help the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona (BGCCA) raise more than $220,000.
For this second year of the hugely popular Dancing for the Stars (DFTS) fundraiser at The Elks Theater, Werking leapt at the chance to become one of 10 celebrity dancers when the BGCCA board asked.
“Of course I was immediately 100 percent in,” said Werking, owner of Northern AZ Social, a provider of social media and digital marketing services. So began her weeks-long transformation to one-time (for now) stage performer.
From a fulfilling day job developing, implementing and monitoring digital marketing campaigns,
Werking burned the midnight oil to evolve from zero professional dance expertise to one-half of a tour de force on stage.
“I did have some reservations,” Werking admitted. “But I have learned over time that if you do not take opportunities when they are presented to you, they may never come around again. When you look at the bigger picture, DFTS is a team effort and the reward is serving the children in our community.”
Money raised is spent directly on programs and improvements for area youth, including additional extracurricular programs and a new club in Chino Valley.
“The biggest challenge was learning the technical steps,” Werking said. “I really had no idea how complicated Latin ballroom dancing could be. We also danced from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. three to four times a week.”
Werking said she was amazed by the support of the community for this event, including the “incredible talent and guidance” of her professional dancing partner, Leonard. Asking for sponsorships was made easier by the success of the inaugural 2017 event, she added, noting that businesses she approached “jumped for the chance to be involved.”
She originally connected with DFTS when she was invited as a member of the marketing committee in 2017. “With such a grand fundraising concept, I gladly contributed my time and supported the event as a sponsor. My role also included negotiating marketing trades with local businesses. It was well worth every minute spent to this cause. The organization is first-class, and I hope to be involved in some capacity in the future.”
Besides Dancing for the Stars, Werking has volunteered with Chapel Rock Camp & Conference Center, Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County and the Whiskey Row New Year’s Eve Boot Drop, which she co-founded in 2009.
“Philanthropic work creates relationships and strengthens bonds in the community,” Werking said. “I have reaped the rewards of referrals and built strong friendships by dedicating my time to select organizations. Most of my success is because of the friendships I have established over the years, while volunteering guidance and knowledge so people can grow as a business. They are forever grateful, and I am pleased to have made a new friend.”
For budding volunteers, she suggested having “solid guidelines in place” and asking themselves, “Do I have enough time? Can I serve this organization in a responsible way? Can I fully commit and achieve the goals?”
“You must choose wisely because time is a valuable asset,” she said.
Werking has great respect for people who work in the non-profit industry. “They are inspirational and hard-working individuals. We should all spend a day in their world.” QCBN
Photo caption:
Social media and digital marketing entrepreneur Donna Werking performed a samba with local dance professional Zach Leonard April 14 at the 2018 Dancing for the Stars fundraiser benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona.
Photos courtesy Tracy Fultz of Blushing Cactus Photography
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