Mayor Julian McTizic Puts on Dancing Shoes for Good Cause
City of Bolivar Mayor Julian Anderson McTizic, Sr. will partner with Haley Fortune as they compete in the Dancing with the STARs 2024 event, which will benefit The STAR Center in Jackson, Tennessee. McTizic and Fortune are one of seven teams that range from bankers to business owners, nurses, and realtors. For over 36 years, this community has supported people with disabilities and their impact is felt across the region. The competition will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in the month when National Disability Employment Awareness Month is recognized.
Each team fundraised to support the mission of The STAR Center as they prepared for the competition. The donations raised allow people who come to The STAR Center to turn their challenges into opportunities and rise above their circumstances. By attending or donating, guests will help make a difference in the lives of those who need it most as they #CrushTheNO for individuals with disabilities our community.
Despite his long list of professional accomplishments shared by The STAR Center on his bio, McTizic’s participation in the competition is personal. Mr. McTizic, a father, shared with The STAR Center why he chose to participate in the competition.
“My son, Jules, has autism, BUT he is a star. That’s how most people would phrase that sentence, but I don’t look at his diagnosis as something that makes him less than. Many people see autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as something people have to fix or overcome to shine. Being blessed to parent Jules and watch him learn, grow, and thrive has taught me that he’s not plagued with a disability, but challenged with a different ability,” said Mr. McTizic. “While he faces many obstacles not having ‘normal’ skills like the ability to speak, he has the rare gift to see and experience the world in a way most of us can’t. The STAR Center provides services to people like Jules who need a little extra help overcoming those obstacles to reach their full potential. I wanted to help raise money to support that endeavor and help raise awareness for ASD and the amazing services offered at the STAR Center. The STAR Center understands replacing the ‘but’ with ‘and’. My son, Jules, has autism, AND he is a star, just like the many other stars the STAR Center helps to shine. They are crushing the ‘no’ every single day, and I’m proud to be a part of that.”
Through his fundraising effort, Mr. McTizic has already raised $2,500 for The STAR Center, reaching his projected goal. Although that goal has been met, people may still donate to Mr. McTizic’s effort to raise funds that will help people with disabilities realize their full potential.
Dancing with the STARs 2024 will be held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tennessee from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online.
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