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.
Wade S. Radke – COO/Owner, Galley Support Innovations
Wade and his instructor, Victoria Fender, are dancing the Latin-style bachata to a remix of Miley Cyrus’ Wrecking Ball.
Q: Why did you agree to be a Dancing with Our Stars contestant?
A: Because of the fact that these kids got dealt some tough cards and they need all the support and love they can get.
Q: What is something that has surprised you in preparation for the big event?
A: It surprised me to know the number of young people affected and also how hard dancing really is!
Wade Radke is COO/Owner of Galley Support Innovations (GSI), an international aerospace design and manufacturing company in Sherwood, Arkansas. Wade founded GSI with his wife Gina in 2005, after serving in the United States Air Force. Wade values self-learning and education, holding degrees in Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, and Aerospace Management. He also values investing in people, often hiring those in need of a second chance in life, mentoring young adults and investing in organic business startups.
Wade serves on several boards which impact our community; Immerse Arkansas (assisting youth aging out of foster care), Museum of Discovery (promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math – STEAM), and was appointed by Governor Hutchison to serve on the Pulaski Tech Board of Visitors.
He is also an active member of the National Business Aviation Association, the Arkansas Aerospace Alliance, the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce, Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, Sherwood Chamber of Commerce and the C.A.L.L. (Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime).
In 2015, GSI was recognized by Arkansas Business as “Small Business of the Year”, as well as, “Small Business Exporter of the Year”. In 2016, Wade was awarded the “Small Business Person of the Year” by the SBA (Small Business Administration) for the state of Arkansas and went on to represent Arkansas at the national level in Washington D.C.
Wade firmly believes that what you set your mind to, you can accomplish, however, he is beginning to wonder if this includes dancing. He attributes his best dance moves to that of the gopher in the 80’s movie Caddyshack. He is hoping to channel his inner gopher, cut some serious rug and have a great time for a great cause!
VOTE FOR WADE: https://join.ctf.org/waderadke
TICKETS: www.ctf.org/dwos2019
