The 3rd annual Calhoun’s Dancing with the Stars fundraiser pushed numbers beyond $150,000, after profits from concessions were totaled on March 15, benefiting the United Way of Gordon County and the GEM Theatre.

People’s Choice winners Renee Brown and Kevin Smith raised more than $30,000 and the judges’ choice winners were mother-son duo Valerie and Tucker Allen.

All performers gave an outstanding show along with hilarious commentary from “Mistress” Joni Harbin. Costumes, choreography and energetic vibes entertained full stadiums on Friday and Saturday night. This year’s fundraiser surpassed previous years’ amounts of $106,000 in 2012 and $116,000 in 2013 despite one less competing couple this year.

In case you weren’t at the show, we’ve provided a recap just for you.

Joni Harbin took the stage following an unanticipated battle in the hospital and ICU a few months prior.

“I’m doing well,” Harbin said. “I’d like to thank Will Theus for saving my life and for Ed Harbin for making it worth living.”

Harbin didn’t exactly appreciate the mistress title she was given at first as host of the show, but then she grew to like it, she said.

“It’s easy being a mistress. I haven’t done laundry for three months,” she said. “And I’ve done my part for this show. I got a pedicure. From the ankles down, I look like Stella Bailey.”

An opening tribute to Dirty Dancing involving all dancers kicked off the show as Vicki Spence, executive director of the United Way of Gordon County, carried a large watermelon on stage mimicking Jennifer Grey and danced along with the performers.

Judges for the night were Melbin De La Cruz, Melissa Keller, Kay Ann Wetherington, Linda Susserman and Joey Parrot.

Josh and Sarah Davis were the first couple to perform. Their country performance to Avicii’s “Hey Brother” set the stage for a great night of friendly competition.

Renee Brown and Kevin Smith performed second and were sizzling hot in their fire red costumes. They received several scores of 10 from the judges and continued to win the People’s Choice Trophy.

Becky Hood and Courtney Taylor then performed a dazzling Michael Jackson medley and Hood surprised everyone with her Smooth Criminal moves.

Harbin continued the laughter.

“Here’s another reason why being a mistress is fun,” Harbin said. “I’ve had socks, gloves, hats, a satin vest and a cuff link thrown at me. I can’t wait for Tucker Allen to get up here.”

Autumn Lester and Nick Holsomback took the audience through a Disney dream with their Little Mermaid theme. They danced to Bruno Mars’ “Treasure” as Lester sported her auburn hair, silver crown and sea foam dress..

Judge Joey Parrot commented on their performance.

“That tush move y’all did is probably the closest thing to twerking we’ll ever see in Calhoun,” he said.

Harbin began explaining a questionnaire all contestants were asked to fill out, and a certain question asked if they are sensitive to public embarrassment.

“Several dancers will write down ‘don’t make fun of my mama’ or ‘don’t make fun of my weight,” Harbin said. “Let’s ponder this for a minute…who thinks I’m gonna make fun of someone’s weight? Can you guys see me? I spent 64 days in the hospital, eight of them in a coma and lost 13 ounces. Trust me, I’m not here to judge on someone’s weight, but if your mama is ugly, you better watch out.”

Following intermission, Harbin discussed her adventures during the break.

“Andy Baxter came running up to me asking if I had time for a quick selfie and I said ‘I’m not that kind of mistress,’” she said.

William Linn and Claire Norman then performed a classic Waltz that was graceful and as they sported their all white attire.

Suzanne Harden and Jim Prater’s routine was definitely a crowd favorite filled with colorful fun. They also received multiple scores of 10 from the judges.

“I think Suzanne found a new way to ride a Prater Ford,” Harbin said.

Valerie and Tucker Allen rounded up the night of competition with an athletic routine, and took home the Judges’ Choice Trophy with a perfect score of 50.

Judges De La Cruz and Keller shared their talents also and performed a technical and energetic number.

Among the hard work and incredible entertainment put forth for the two causes, the community of Gordon County is known for its teamwork as a support system, according to Spence.

“The friends of the Calhoun GEM and United Way of Gordon County cannot praise these seven couples enough,” said Spence. “They worked as a team supporting one another. Our community is certainly blessed to have such great people willing to give their time and talents. Thanks to the dancers, their families, the companies and organizations that supported them and all the volunteers. The challenge for next year is finding more dancers to keep the tradition going.”

The video of the performance, with unseen interviews with the dancers and the Red Carpet, is $20. All proceeds from the video will go to the Calhoun High School Video Production Dept. Video’s can be ordered by calling the United Way office at 706-602-5548. Videos will be available in 4-6 weeks.

Sam Ratcliffe’s photos of the Dancing with the Stars reception are available to view and purchase at www.http://samratcliffephotography.fototime.com. Photos from the show will be coming soon to the United Way of Gordon County website, according to Spence.