Butler gets groovy for the Humane Society
Kelsey Stover and Joe Mahoney perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Prominent members of the Butler community danced like they’ve never danced before at the “Dancing for a Cause” competition at the Penn Theater Friday night, May 29, organized by Leadership Butler County.
Butler “celebrities” paired up with dance students in partnership with Slippery Rock University to show off their choreographed moves to raise money for the Butler County Humane Society. Eight duet numbers graced the stage, showcasing a variety of dance styles from slow contemporary dances, to upbeat jazz routines with acrobatic elements.
“It’s very enjoyable and fulfilling when you are dancing for a cause, because usually you just dance for a story line or something, but this is special because everyone in the audience is helping and we’re helping.” Chris Warner, a Slippery Rock dance student said.
Warner had done a similar competition before and had the routine already memorized and ready to teach Lelah Geibel, director of operation for the Housing and Development Authorities of Butler County, the steps during the few months they were given to rehearse.
“I set the same routine that we did on a brand new person and it was just as spectacular and just as amazing.” Warner said.
Chris Warner and Lelah Geibel dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Warner and Geibel put on an “Aladdin“ themed dance, complete with heavy stunt work and costumes to go with the theme.
“It was really great. I just love him. It was so fun. I’m sad it’s over.” Geibel said.
Attendees of the event enjoyed the entertainment and food, while also contributing to the fundraiser behind the event.
The money raised is set to go toward creating a new enrichment area for shelter dogs at the Human Society, limiting the time the animals have to spend cooped up in kennels and lowering their stress levels.
Annalese Isenberg, a Slippery Rock student pursuing her bachelor’s degree in dance, and Dina Russo, owner of Stroll Treesdale, performed a groovy jazz number cloaked in sparkles and executing staple disco moves on stage.
“I was able to step a little outside my comfort zone to really dig deep into the world of disco,” Isenberg said. “I just wanted something that was, like, electric and infectious for everyone to just make them smile.”
Annalese Isenberg, right, and Dina Russo dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Judges and audience members voted, awarding two pairs for their performance.
Warner and Geibel won the judges award and took home a disco ball trophy and flowers. Warner won $500 and a gift card and Geibel won two tickets to the Penn Theater. Both won a gift card to North Country Brew Pub.
The winning duo of the audience’s choice award were Abby Dowler and Lauren Pinkerton. Dowler is a student at SRU pursuing a Bachelors of Fine Arts in dance and a Bachelor of Science in psychology. Pinkerton is an operations manager at Armstrong Comfort Solutions. They won trophies, flowers, gift cards to North Country Brew Pub and tickets to the Penn Theater as well.
Sonya and Allen Hassler dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Mark Buchek performs during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Jordan Grady performs during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Cody Slater dances during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Mark Buchek performs during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Mark Buchek performs during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Wolfgang Nicholson and Demi Rossman dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Quinlyn Karnes and T.J. McCance perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Quinlyn Karnes and T.J. McCance perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Abby Dowler, left, and Lauren Pinkerton perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Mark Buchek receives an award after his performance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Kelsey Stover and Joe Mahoney perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Wolfgang Nicholson and Demi Rossman dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Butler City Mayor Bob Dandoy emcee's during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Daniya Jackson and Allen Hassler dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Daniya Jackson and Allen Hassler dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Daniya Jackson and Allen Hassler dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Abby Dowler, left, and Lauren Pinkerton celebrate after receiving the Audiance Choice award at Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Abby Dowler, right, and Lauren Pinkerton perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Jordan Grady and Mark Buchek perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Herrmann, left, and Cody Slater perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Quinlyn Karnes and T.J. McCance perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Chris Warner and Lelah Geibel dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Abby Dowler, right, and Lauren Pinkerton perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Herrmann, left, and Cody Slater perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Abby Dowler, left, and Lauren Pinkerton perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Daniya Jackson and Allen Hassler dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Daniya Jackson and Allen Hassler dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Herrmann, left, and Cody Slater perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Herrmann, right, and Cody Slater perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Annalese Isenberg, right, and Dina Russo dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Butler City Mayor Bob Dandoy announces the winners during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Chris Warner and Lelah Geibel are announced the winners of Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Quinlyn Karnes and T.J. McCance perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Daniya Jackson and Allen Hassler dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Sonya and Allen Hassler dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Mark Buchek performs during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Jordan Grady performs during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Cody Slater dances during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Mark Buchek performs during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Mark Buchek performs during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Wolfgang Nicholson and Demi Rossman dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Quinlyn Karnes and T.J. McCance perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Quinlyn Karnes and T.J. McCance perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Abby Dowler, left, and Lauren Pinkerton perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Mark Buchek receives an award after his performance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Kelsey Stover and Joe Mahoney perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Wolfgang Nicholson and Demi Rossman dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler City Mayor Bob Dandoy emcee's during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Daniya Jackson and Allen Hassler dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Daniya Jackson and Allen Hassler dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Daniya Jackson and Allen Hassler dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Abby Dowler, left, and Lauren Pinkerton celebrate after receiving the Audiance Choice award at Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Abby Dowler, right, and Lauren Pinkerton perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Jordan Grady and Mark Buchek perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Herrmann, left, and Cody Slater perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Quinlyn Karnes and T.J. McCance perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Chris Warner and Lelah Geibel dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Abby Dowler, right, and Lauren Pinkerton perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Herrmann, left, and Cody Slater perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Abby Dowler, left, and Lauren Pinkerton perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Daniya Jackson and Allen Hassler dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Daniya Jackson and Allen Hassler dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Herrmann, left, and Cody Slater perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Herrmann, right, and Cody Slater perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Annalese Isenberg, right, and Dina Russo dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler City Mayor Bob Dandoy announces the winners during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Chris Warner and Lelah Geibel are announced the winners of Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Quinlyn Karnes and T.J. McCance perform during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Daniya Jackson and Allen Hassler dance during Leadership Butler County's “Dancing for a Cause” event at the Penn Theater on Friday, May 29, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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