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Someone once said the definition of courage is not being fearless, it’s doing that which you fear. Okay, so I’ve done some things that have scared me in the past: getting married, parasailing, having children, running for elected office… But none has prepared me for tonight when I must participate in Dancing with the Stars as part of the Friends of Shedd Park fund-raising effort. It doesn’t help that in today’s column, Kendall Wallace writes: “Thanks to the ‘local celebrities’ who are willing to make fools of themselves for a good cause.” (Making a fool of myself is not my plan; in fact, it is that very possibility that most scares me.) Unlike my daughter, I have no experience with dance classes or dance recitals, so this is my first (and probably last) debut as a dancer, but don’t let that stop you from joining the festivities. The other dancers are awesome, including the two from Steppin’ Out Dance Studio, and my co-celebrities: Al Pare, Ricardo Rourke, Dacey Zouza, Carolyn Cox and Gene Manley. The Cotillion is decked out with fresh flowers, lights, and festive tables, and is surrounded by colorful tents, so the rain won’t dampen the fun. There will also be great food, wine tasting and music by the Fun Razrs. So for $40, join us tonight for a very good cause and watch me take another leap of courage!