Events

Dancing with Our Stars: Meet the Stars – Connie Bennett

Photo – Amy Carper, Carper Creative Photography

Each year, community leaders wear their dancing shoes for the coveted winning title that is earned at the Dancing with Our Stars Gala. All this fun and friendly competition 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 gala proceeds is donated for grants to send Arkansas teens to the International NF Camp.
We’re putting each star in the spotlight and introducing them on our blog. They will compete at the Sept. 5 gala, in addition to soliciting contributions + votes prior to the event.

Connie Bennett Philanthropist

Connie and her instructor, Stephen K Stone, UA Little Rock Theatre Arts & Dance Associate Professor, are doing a 1980s style dance with music from Purple Rain by Prince and the Time.

Q: Why did you agree to be a Dancing with Our Stars contestant?  

A: I have volunteered for many organizations in lots of capacities.  I just thought it would be fun to be a part of something that would be a new challenge.  Trust me I have been challenged , which I am sure will be obvious to the audience.

Q: What is something that has surprised during preparation for the big event?

A: My favorite thing is getting to know some wonderful people.  My dance instructor, Stephen, has been so wonderful.  We joke that when Dancing With Our Stars is over we are going to have to call each other to catch up.  I love getting to know our NF ambassador Myleigh. We even got some dance tips from this darling girl.  The other dancers are so much fun and we will always share this bond.

Connie Bennett spends most of her time volunteering for many organizations. Connie serves on the Board for Women and Children First which serves victims of domestic violence. She is on the Arkansas Governors Mansion Association Board. Along with her husband, Ed Bennett, they have chaired the Chocolate Fantasy Ball, for Ronald McDonald House and a Make a Wish Golf Tournament. Serving for Arkansas Children’s Hospital has become a family affair . Connie has served as the Star ACHiever chair, a program teaching freshman in high school girls and boys about the mission of ACH. Connie’s daughter , Stacey was a Star ACHiever when she was young is a nurse at ACH. Ed and Connie have supported many events for ACH. She currently volunteers weekly in the Infant Toddler Unit of ACH. Connie has been married for 33 years to Ed Bennett who is a Senior Vice President at McGriff Insurance Services. They have one daughter Stacey Hawkins.

Connie graduated Illinois State University with a degree in Mass Communication. Connie taught preschool at Miss Selma’s School for 16 years. She enjoys running and has completed several marathons. Goals for DWOS is to raise awareness for NF.

Connie would say about the competition, “Break a Leg” but she doesn’t want to jinx herself.

VOTE FOR CONNIE:  https://join.ctf.org/conniebennett

TICKETS: www.ctf.org/dwos2019

Inviting Arkansas

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay up-to-date on our latest news!