Josh Hayes and Monica Pratt were crowned dancing champions this past Saturday night at the Russell County Hospital Auxiliary's fourth annual "Dancing with the Stars" at the Russell County High School.

The event, which raised nearly $1,000, for the auxiliary, was called a success by event coordinator Brenda Higginbotham.

A healthy crowd of onlookers showed up to watch the performances by Hayes and Pratt, Rick Mann, family and friends, Dorsey Franklin, Cool and McKinzie Henson.

Henson, one half of last year's winning couple opened the event with a performance to Cee Lo Green's recent hit "Forget You." Cool then performed a Michael Jackson routine while Franklin sang and tapped to Frank Sinatra's "New York."

The dancing competition was judged by Charlotte Salyers and Tammy Bernard, both of Liberty.

 Clarissa "Moochie" Hart served as master of ceremonies for the event while Joey Hoover with Laker Country 104.9 FM WJRS coordinated the music. Joyce Haywood provided the lights and disco ball for the event.

All proceeds collected went to further the services provided daily by the hospital's Auxiliary.

Each fall the hospital puts out a wish list of items needed and much of the money raised this past weekend will go toward filling those needs.

The group provides many important services that enhance the care provided to patients, their family members, and visitors according to the hospital.

They help run the hospital's gift shop in the front lobby as well as the reception desk and the shredding service, among other tasks.

The auxiliary has served Russell County Hospital since 1981. It has around 50 members and is always welcome to new members.

For more information about the Auxiliary and how to become a member, call 270-866-4546.

Next year, the Auxiliary plans to host "Russell County's Got Talent" which will take place of the former "Dancing" event.