Phantom-tastic Footwork and Fundraising

Each year, community leaders from the Boca Raton, Fla., area are invited to participate in Boca’s Ballroom Battle, a spinoff of the popular “Dancing With the Stars.” All proceeds benefit the George Snow Scholarship Fund, which is dedicated to helping individuals in financial need through a scholarship program for residents of Palm Beach County who are continuing their education.

This year, Chris Palermo, founder and CEO of Global Communication Networks, was among the eight individuals (including the CFO of the Miami Dolphins!) who accepted the invitation to participate. Palermo and his trainer/professional dance partner Sayra Vazquez spent months practicing sometimes twice a day to perfect a “Phantom of the Opera”-themed routine.

On August 16, after countless hours of rehearsal and an hour in the make-up chair, Palermo took to the dance floor at the Boca Resort & Club, performing the routine with his partner in front of more than 750 people. His 10-year-old son Parker recorded the performance.

Palermo raised more than $38,000 for the event and took home a mirrored ball trophy for being the top male fundraiser.