During their first ever Sweethearts and Surprises dance Friday evening, the Dancing Divas announced who will be joining them on stage for their main event this summer as the 2019 Dancing with the Divas celebrity cast.

Making their Diva debuts for their charities of choice are:

• Mike Campbell (Tere Barclay) –  The Patient Care Charitable Fund
• Scott Frank (Cheyenne Frank) – F.O.P. (Zanesville PD and Muskingum County K-9 units)
• Matt Harper (Debi Grubb) – Zanesville Kiwanis Club Bolin Scholarship Fund
• Becky Joseph (Trudy Cultice) – Liam’s Legion
• Dr. John Lepi (Anne Agin) – Emma Barry’s Road to Recovery
• Nathan McDonald (LeAnne Bader-Mock) – C.A.S.S. Mind
• Taylor Russell (Lori Gilliland) – Genesis Breast Cancer Center
• Kerby Staker (Debbon Kappes) – Zane Trace Players, Renner Theater

Gallery • 9 Photos

Mike Campbell and partner Tere Barclay.

Since their inaugural season in 2011, the Divas have raised over $250,000 for charitable causes.

“They’re all local charities,” said Anne Agin, who organized Friday’s Valentine’s themed dance. “The money stays local, which is what’s really important to us.”

Agin will be partnered with local obstetrician/gynecologist Dr. John Lepi.

“We try to contact people that are known in the community that can generate a crowd, and Dr. Lepi, being the local doctor that so many women know and love, was a perfect choice for me,” said Agin.

Together, Agin and Lepi will be dancing for 17 year-old Emma Barry, a Bishop Rosecrans student on a long road to recovery after becoming involved in a tragic car accident just before Christmas.

Barry suffered traumatic brain injury from the accident, among other injuries, and has accumulated a large medical bill thus far.

“She’s still in a coma, but she’s starting to make a little progress where she can follow some instructions,” said Lepi. “They expect it will be a two-year recovery for her.”

Lepi explained the role Barry plays as caregiver, of sorts, to her twin brother, Nick, with Muscular Dystrophy.

“She’s a wonderful young lady,” said Lepi.

Since her accident, the community has rallied around Barry and her family, many following her journey through social media.

Funds raised by Lepi will go to the Emma Barry’s road to Recovery Fund.

Agin said Lepi has already chosen his music and type of dance for the big show.

“My dad was a great Jitterbugger, so we’re going to try doing a little Jitterbug,” said Lepi.

“With a little swing,” added Agin.

Lepi and the rest of the 2019 celebrities will perform at EagleSticks Golf Club on July 27.

More information about Dancing with the Divas can be found here: http://www.thedancingdivas.com/dancing-with-the-divas/