William does Hair for Dancing the night away with Kristi Yamaguchi

Sunday, May 31 | 2009

Kristi Yamaguchi’s “Dancing the Night Away” was held May 30 at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco as a fundraiser for the skating star’s Always Dream Foundation.

The proceeds will go to a park that is being built in Fremont, Yamaguchi’s hometown.

While past events have featured Yamaguchi’s fellow Olympic medalists and world champions in figure skating, this show was put on by her more recent friends from ABC’s hit show “Dancing With the Stars,” where she was the Season 6 winner.

The celebrity guests were actor Gilles Marini, actress Marlee Matlin, singer Joanna Pacitti and Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson. They were joined by professional dancers Louis van Amstel, Mark Ballas (Yamaguchi’s partner), Dmitry Chaplin, Kym Johnson, Fabian Sanchez and Chelsie Hightower.

Yamaguchi also took a spin on the dance floor with her husband, hockey player Bret
Hedican of the Anaheim Ducks.

The hosts were Giselle Fernandez, journalist and Season 2 contestant on “Dancing With the Stars,” and Larry Beil, sports director for ABC 7 (KGO-TV).

In addition to the performances, the evening included a silent auction, dinner prepared by chef Kevin Copper, and dancing with the Dick Bright Orchestra.

Yamaguchi said in a statement, “This year, despite the unprecedented economic challengs, you have looked inside your hearts and responded in a way that has inspired us all. Our sponsors, our volunteers and our committee members have helped make this one of the most successful events we have ever produced.

“To everyone, including my newest friends from the world of dance who have made this evening such an amazing success, I offer my deepest gratitude.

“You should know that your support of ‘Dancing the Night Away’ will help us complete Always Dream PlayPark. This remarkable project represents the culmination of our commitment to making a direct and lasting difference in the lives of children with disabilities.

“This evening’s real winners will be the children facing special challenges who will have the chance to experience the joy, and the sense of connection to other kids, which will be the heart and soul of Always Dream PlayPark.”