Lauren Neil is more comfortable on the back of the horse than ballroom dancing.
Neil, Miss Reno Rodeo 2010, will dance on stage as part of a cast of local celebrities who will show off the rumba, mambo, fox trot and waltz for charity.
Neil knows she might not hit every samba step, but when she was approached to be part of Dancing with the Stars of Reno, Neil knew she had to help.
"I couldn't not do it when I found out it was a benefit for MS," said Neil, who has an aunt who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 20 years ago.
The debilitating disease causes the body's immune system to eat away at the protective sheath that covers nerves. The disease can cause tremors and vision problems and make it difficult to walk and speak.
"It's hard for me because I don't have dance training, and I don't know basic dance steps, but my aunt will be there cheering me on," she said.
The fundraiser starts at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino and will feature "celebrity" dancers paired with professional dancers, most from local dance schools.
The event raises money for the local Multiple Sclerosis Society, a group that advocates and provides services for more than 1,600 people living with MS in 20 counties in Northern Nevada and northeastern California.
It's a cause that also is close to organizer Jenni Montesano's heart. Montesano, who runs Salt & Pepper Dance Productions, put on this event two years ago and hopes to increase attendance this year.
The first Dancing with the Stars of Reno in 2008 raised about $7,000 for the local MS Society of Reno
"We are hoping we outdo that number this time," Montesano said.
Montesano watched her mother die from the debilitating disease 10 years ago.
"My mother went from a cane to a walker to a wheelchair to death," said Montesano, who cared for her mother during the 23 years she suffered with the disease.
"They are making strides in research and treatment, but right now so many people are suffering," Montesano said.
Dancers include media personalities from TV, radio, John Murphy from Reno News & Review, Laura Longero from the Reno Gazette-Journal and the Reno Aces mascot Archie.
Judges include a handful of local politicians, Luther Mack of Fuddruckers, Timothy Janiga of the Center for Plastic Surgery and culinarian Jennifer Bushman.
The event will be emceed by Sarah Johns of KOLO TV, Bill Schultz of Alice 96.5 and Radio personality Panama of KBZZ Radio.
Linda Lott, region development manager for the local MS society, will perform an exhibition dance during the event. "I am having so much fun," Lott said. " I really never knew what it took to ballroom dance," she said.
Lott said money raised will help run programs and provide services for people with MS. She said the group serves at a referral center and reference point for people living with the disease.
"There's no cure, yet, but advances are being made all the time," she said.
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