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Community Corner

Dancing with the Realtors Benefits Habitat for Humanity

Billy Costa emceed the fundraiser for the Greater Lowell Habitat for Humanity.

A community benefit called "Dancing with the Realtors" was held at Memorial Hall on Friday evening, raising funds to help the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell.

The gala evening included dinner from Bobby C's, the dance competition, and star emcee Billy Costa, host of "TV Diner."

Founded in 2007 by Linda Covino, a Realtor from Wilmington, "Dancing with the Realtors" involves actual real estate agents learning ballroom dancing and competing across the state.

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The shows have been a huge success for Habitat for Humanity, which has raised more than $150,000 from the events.

"I thought this would be a great fundraiser because it would bring in business and the community," Covino said.

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Dana Owens, executive director of the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell, said Covino's events have contributed more than $30,000 in the past three years to the Lowell chapter.

"We can build a house for $90,000, so $30,000 is a third of a house," Owens said.

Habitat for Humanity builds new homes and sells them interest-free to low-income families.

The final competition of this season of "Dancing with the Realtors" will be held February 20, 2011, at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel.

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