The eighth annual “Dancing for Special Stars,” a Special Olympics fundraiser, will be held Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall on the campus of Minot State University.

A reception in McFarland Gallery begins at 6:15 p.m., along with a silent auction followed by the contest at 7 p.m., and a “Meet and Greet the Dancers” after the show.

The event has paired area celebrities with dance instructors in a contest patterned after “Dancing with the Stars.” Each couple will perform a dance. Audience members will cast their votes for their favorite couple(s) with their checkbooks. Every dollar donated, including those used to purchase admission tickets, counts as a point. The couple with the most points is the winner. At the end of the evening, the Mirror Ball Trophy and the People’s Choice awards will be announced.

Dance contestants/couples are:

— Jarid Lundeen and Berkley Lundeen

— Chuck Vennes and Brittany Armstrong

— Tim Bauman and Rachel Maxfield

— Kelly Matalka and Tonia Vitko

— Kimberly Tiedman and Andy Busch

— Christopher Bachmeier and Tara Czeveres

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased in advance by calling SOND at 746-0331, online at specialolympicsnd.org or purchased at the door. Campus parking is open and free to the public for the event.