Lights, camera, action! Local stars are raising money to help promote literacy.

The fifth annual Dancing with the Vicksburg Stars hosted by the United Way of West Central Mississippi starts with dinner at 5 p.m. Saturday at Lady Luck Arena, 1380 Warrenton Road.

The dancers will be Propulsion Dance Company, Melanie Sanders, Dante Sanders, Vicksburg Dance Studio and Dance from the Heart. Each team creates their own dance routine and practices in advance of competition night.

“It’s a very friendly competition,” event coordinator Shannon Royal said.

Awards will be given to the dancers for the people’s choice—based on audience vote, philanthropy— based on who raised the most money, and first, second and third place— based on the five judges votes.

“You get to see great acts,” Royal said. “The performances are awesome.”

Anyone can vote through donation by texting STAR to 71777. A text reply will be sent back asking for the group or individual the donator is voting for, and then any denomination donation will be accepted. Donations can also be taken to the United Way office, 920 South St.

“That money will go toward their final scoring the night of the event,” Royal said.

The event raises money for the organization’s early childhood literacy program called LEARN or Leaders Encouraging Advanced Reading Now.

“We currently provide four free books to every third grader in Warren County,” Royal said, but the United Way hopes to expand the program to include all kindergarten through third grade students.

There will be a silent auction with a number of donated items like a 50-inch Sharp television, collegiate memorabilia, a Dolce and Gabbana fragrance package, paintings from New Orleans artists, a weeks worth of food gift certificates, a Birkenstock package, a cotton candy machine, a wine basket and an ENO hammock to name a few.

“We pretty much have something for everyone,” Royal said.

A raffle will also be held for a Grizzly cooler full of other promotional items like tumblers.

“It’s going to be a really cool night,” Royal said.

Lady Luck Casino will provide a meal of chilled salads, fresh fruit, lemon herb baked chicken, pork loin, mashed potatoes, wild rice, vegetables, bread and dessert.

“Their food is really good,” Royal said. “They have an excellent chef.”

Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door or $200 for a table of eight— except for sponsors. To sponsor the event or buy tickets, call the United Way at 601-636-1733.