No stranger to this dance floor, country artist Cristina Lynn served as co-emcee for the 2012 Stars Dancing for HEALS, which generated approximately $150,000 for the organization.

Cristina Lynn emceed Stars Dancing for HEALS with Spencer Denton. (Photo courtesy of Kerry Brook Photography)

The fundraiser for Health Establishments at Local Schools Inc. or HEALS was held at Monaco Pictures at Bridge Street Town Centre on Nov. 5. Sharing emcee duties with Lynn was Spencer Denton, chief meteorologist at WAAY 31.

In 2011, Lynn, along with friends and relatives, raised more than $22,000 for the children of HEALS, Inc., making her the 2011 Top Champion of Children. She and Rick Jones, owner of Southern Elegance Dance Studio, also won the Crowd Favorite distinction.

Working with HEALS for several years, Lynn first donated her music at events and then was invited to dance in 2011. “I’ve had such a wonderful time sharing my music and dancing through the years for the children of HEALS,” she said.

“When Connie Carnes, executive director of HEALS, invited me to return as the co-emcee for the 2012 event, I was both excited & honored,” Lynn said.

Weeks before the event, Lynn talked with the celebrity dancers about her “dancing journey” and her feelings about HEALS and attended rehearsals “so I could see the stars in action.”

“The event is definitely both a celebration and an outreach,” Lynn said. “Community children are being helped by so many loving and giving people who are willing to donate their money and time to help make healthcare possible.”

“I cannot answer for everyone, but I can say that helping others builds me up. It helps to warm the heart and the soul,” Lynn said.

The Madison community contributed significant gifts to HEALS, she said. The public paid $1 per vote for their favorite.

Incorporated in 1998, HEALS introduced school-based health clinics to Huntsville and Madison County. Students enrolled as HEALS patients receive the same care as in a full-service pediatrician’s office. By managing the students’ illnesses, HEALS decreases school absenteeism.

For more information, visit healsinc.org.