Local Dance Couples Compete to Raise Money for a New 4D CT Simulator in Porterville

Dancing with the Sierra View Stars Competition and Gala Saturday.

Local Dance Couples Compete to Raise Money for a New 4D CT Simulator in Porterville.

Local dance couples are gearing up to compete to raise money for advanced oncology technology at the 12th Annual Sierra View Foundation Gala Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at the Porterville Fairgrounds.

All proceeds from this year’s event will aid in purchasing a 4D CT (computerized tomography) simulator to enhance the technology of oncology services for patients of the Roger S. Good Cancer Treatment Center at Sierra View Medical Center.

This year’s event will build on the momentum from the 2017 Gala, which hosted nearly 500 attendees and raised more than $100,000 for the purchase of a HUGS Infant Security System. This state-of-the-art technology allows SVMC to monitor a newborn’s location at all times, ensuring the highest level of safety and care during their stay at the hospital.

This year, four local couples will compete for the title of Sierra View’s favorite dancers — a title that is currently held by 2017 winners Dustin and Tracy Della.

Community members and gala attendees have the opportunity to vote for their favorite couple prior to the event by visiting www.sierra-view.com/vote.

First to take to the stage will be Dr. Anthony Martin and his wife Kristy. Both were born and raised in the Porterville area. Anthony graduated from Monache High School in 2000 and Kristy graduated from Porterville High School in 2002.

The couple began dating in 2002 and maintained a long distance relationship while both of them pursued their educations. In 2005 they made it official and married. Anthony is now the Director of Educational Services for Burton School District and Kristy made the switch from nursing to stay-at-home mother for their five boys. Anthony and Kristy both love serving the community and are excited to be a part of such an important cause.

Dr. Abel Ojeda and his wife Sophia will be the next Sierra View Stars to show off their moves. Both were born and raised in Tulare County and are proud alumni of Porterville High School and Fresno State.

Abel is now a sports physical therapist and the clinical director for PRO-PT in Porterville. Sophia is an English teacher at Santa Fe Elementary. Together they have four children ranging in age from 8 years of age to 2.

In addition, Abel is a Rotarian and Santa Fe Elementary Parent Club member as well as a school district board member.

“We are thrilled to be a part of a project that makes our community better. Our goal is to give back and make Porterville a better place for family, friends, and fellow residents by volunteering,” said Dr. Ojeda.

Next under the spotlight will be William and Larissa Wells. Larissa grew up in the small town of Springville and attended Porterville High School and College of the Sequoias. She then transferred to Biola University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She now teaches first grade in her beloved hometown of Springville and is an independent consultant for Arbonne International.

William grew up on a cattle ranch in Springville and became part of the United States Forest Service Hot Shot Crew at only 18 years of age. He now holds a position with the Tulare County Fire Department.

The couple originally met at a christian camp at just 16 years old. Seven years later they ran into each other and the rest is history. They enjoy country swing dancing in their off time and spending quality time with their son Waylon who came in to this world in May 2018. This couple loves to dance and is excited to raise money for such a good cause.

For the finale, Mitch and Liz Brown will take to the stage. Mitch is a local business man from Porterville who attended school in the Porterville area. Elizabeth was also born and raised in Porterville. After graduating Monache High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Waterson Business College in Bakersfield. Together the couple has four children, and run Mitch Brown Construction as a family, which provides paving and earthwork, and Mitchell Brown Engineering, Inc. which operates landfills in Kern County.

This year’s Gala is especially close to the Brown’s heart since Mitch’s mom was a patient at the Roger S. Good Cancer Treatment Center in 1998.

“The money being raised for the CTC is vital for our community and I am honored to support such a worthy cause,” said Liz Brown.

Community members and gala attendees have the opportunity to give support by voting for their favorite couple prior to the event by visiting sierra-view.com/foundation. While there, they can register to attend or enter this year’s raffle, a $2,500 trip voucher to be used anywhere. The winner will be announced Saturday at the gala. Please note you do not need to be present to win the trip.