Mankato, Minn. --- Kevin Buisman, Director of Athletics at Minnesota State, and his partner, Tina Flewellyn, came away with the People's Choice Award at this year's Dancing With the Mankato Stars.
 
The second-year event, which raised nearly $73,000 to benefit the Southern MN Chapter of the American Red Cross—a nearly 40% increase over the previous year's effort, was held Saturday at Verizon Wireless Center in downtown Mankato.
 
 "Overall, it was a tremendous experience and honor and privilege to represent Minnesota State University and Maverick Athletics," said Buisman. "Dancing and performing in front of such a large audience really pushed my personal comfort zone, but it was for a great cause. The Red Cross is a wonderful organization and 100% of the net proceeds will stay with the Southern Minnesota Chapter to benefit local families when they need it most. I want to personally thank all of those who helped to support "Team Kevin and Tina" and also acknowledge all of my fellow participants and the event's organizers. What an awesome group of people to work with!"
 
The dance competition featured 13 local community "stars acts" and their "pro" partners from around the area and took place before a large and enthusiastic crowd at the Verizon Wireless Center on Saturday, February 1.
 
The event's big winners were as follows:
 
•    Wade Fischer (Scheels Sporting Goods) and Dana Enfield (MSU Dance Team) won the "Judge's Choice" award for top scored performance.
 
•    Dr. Rich Peller (Mankato Clinic) and Nicole Mueller were "Champion Fundraisers" as the program's top pre-event fundraising pair.
 
•    Kevin Buisman (MSU Director of Athletics) and Tina Flewellyn ended up with the "People Choice" award as the top-fundraising night of show "vote getters".
 
• Dr. Kevin Hardesty (Mayo Clinic Health System) and Jessica Alstad were the event's overall winners and "Grand Champions", with the highest combined score in each of the three other categories, allowing them to walk away with the coveted "Mirror Ball" trophy.