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Meet the Stars – Dancing With Our Stars Contestant Kirk Bradshaw

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 the 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. 10 gala, in addition to soliciting contributions + votes prior to the event.

Learn more (and vote) today!


MEET KIRK BRADSHAW
(partnered with Melia Mellard from Fred Astaire Studio)

Originally from Hamburg, Kirk divides his time between Little Rock and New York City as a financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments. When not working, he supports several nonprofits. His commitment to volunteerism led to the 2011 Arkansas Chapter of Fundraising Professionals naming him “Outstanding Volunteer of the Year.” Kirk looks forward to helping raise money and awareness of NF and the impact it has on those who have it and their families.

Lesley Oslica, president of the local chapter, says Kirk is a true asset to the Children Tumor Foundation’s efforts. “He has been a great help to the Children’s Tumor Foundation because of his past experience with fundraising events and his dedication. Kirk has a lot of energy and good ideas. We are thankful he shares his gifts and talents with the Children’s Tumor Foundation in our efforts to advance the mission to end NF. Kirk will always be a champion in the eyes of those with NF.”

Inviting Arkansas: Why do you choose to live and volunteer in Central Arkansas?
Kirk Bradshaw: Family is close, friends are everywhere, and I want to help make my city a better place.

IA: Type of dance you’ve always wanted to learn?
KB: I took tap for four years when I was young and loved it, but it’s one of those things can fall to the wayside as you get older. As an adult, I recently started back and it’s been a great experience that I plan to continue.

IA: Dance claim to fame?
KB: Entertaining the crowd with a tap dance at the 2015 Saints and Sinners Gala for the Arkansas Repertory Theatre.

IA: Why did you agree to be a Dancing with Our Stars contestant?
KB: I think it’s a very creative way to raise money for a deserving organization. Plus, it’s challenging – you have to work at this, you have to put some time in, you have to practice with the hopes of a good end result. If I am dancing for two minutes, I plan to give it all I got for 120 seconds.

IA: What do you most look forward to about the evening?
KB: Seeing my co-stars perform after all these months of practice.

IA: What are you nervous about?
KB: Falling down.

Inviting Arkansas

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