Peter Gary hopes that he and his dance partner, Pam Casanave, will be able to raise
more than $200,000 for the George Snow Scholarship Fund.
Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
By Amy Woods
He served in the Marine Corps for eight years and has several belts in the martial arts — dual disciplines that have given him a proverbial leg up in this month’s feisty and fun charity dance-off, Boca’s Ballroom Battle.
Peter Gary, a 52-year-old Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club resident, has a hankering to hoof.
“I think Pam and I are going to rock it,” Gary said of dance partner Pam Casanave, owner of Fred Astaire studios in Boca Raton, which has sponsored the fundraiser for nine years.
Proceeds from the event benefit the George Snow Scholarship Fund, an organization that helps students in financial need attend college.
A total of eight dancers, backed by devoted donors, will break out their best moves in a quest for the coveted Mirror Ball trophy.
“I think the fact that I was in the Marine Corps definitely helped with understanding the cadence — left, right, left, right — and what you’re doing with your feet,” Gary said. “If you’re off a quarter of a step, it throws off the rest of what’s going to happen.”
He and the other community volunteers began training in April. The competition will take place Aug. 20.
“It’s a huge time commitment, but Pam does such a great job that they’re fun,” Gary said of his dance lessons. “You get to learn new things as you progress through the choreographed routine.”
Last year, $324,000 was raised for South Florida students wanting to further their educations.
“I was touched by how many lives it actually impacts,” Gary said. “None of these kids have defeatist attitudes. They aren’t looking for a handout. They are looking for help.”
Gary, the founder and CEO of Pinnacle Advertising and Marketing Group, was approached by 2015 contestant Donna Parlapiano for a donation. He made one and was so impressed with the Dancing with the Stars-style extravaganza that he asked to participate.
“Here is a man without ego, from my perspective, who just puts himself out there,” said Debi Feiler, the fund’s vice president of program services. “He wants to raise money for our kids.”
Gary’s goal is $200,000 — a lofty one. He will rock a pinstripe suit during the evening, whose musical theme is “Gals vs. Guys!”
“Let’s not mince words: You could make a fool of yourself out there,” Feiler said. “We all think we know how to dance. But to have the nerve — my hat is off to him.”
If You Go
What: Boca’s Ballroom Battle
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 20
Where: Boca Raton Resort & Club, 501 E. Camino Real
Cost: $185 to $250
Information: Call 347-6799 or visit scholarship.org
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