Each year, community leaders put on their dancing shoes in hopes of winning the title that is earned at the Dancing with Our Stars Gala. All this fun and friendly competition among participants benefits the Children’s Tumor Foundation and supports the Arkansas chapter’s research and mission: to end and find a cure for neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that disturbs cell growth in the nervous system, causing tumors to form on nerve tissue.
CTF also provides support for children and families affected by NF. A portion of the proceeds is donated for grants to send Arkansas teens to the International NF Summer Camp held at Camp Kostopulos (Camp K).
Leading up to the grand event, we’re putting each star in the spotlight and introducing them on our blog. They will compete for the dancing title and mirror ball trophy at the Sept. 7 gala, in addition to soliciting contributions + votes prior to the event.
Meet Steve Wilson (partnered with Marisa Kirby of Ms. Karen’s Dance Studio)
Little Rock native Steve “Wild Man” Wilson loves The Natural State.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in speech, business and education from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Okla. and an MBA from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Steve pursued a career with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Over a 37 year career, he won numerous awards and earned the nickname “Wild Man.” He is not only a member of the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame, he’s also a member of the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation’s Outdoor Hall of fame.
Despite his recent retirement, Steve produces and hosts a statewide radio program “Call of the Wild,” which has been active for the past 10 years. He also enjoys spending time outdoors with his grandson, Luke.
With all of his outdoor success, the dance floor is new territory for the Wild man, but he is both excited and honored to have the opportunity to participate in the Dancing With Our Stars and help those affected by NF. “I do have some limited experience at dancing,” he says. “Once, when I was attacked by a swarm of yellow-jackets while weed eating, they said I had some pretty good moves – even with a weed-eater in my hand.”
Wilson states that he will have a good time raising money for a good cause. “We are blessed to live on planet earth – especially here in the Natural State. I am honored to have the opportunity to help.”
