CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Twelve local stars and their dance partners are taking the stage Friday, Feb. 2, for the eighth season of Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte.

Last year, the event raised a million dollars for local charities. This eighth season, contestants have raised nearly $700,000 with intentions on breaking a million dollars by the end of the night.

Bill Diehl, a real estate firm founder and manager, is one of the contestants. Since August, Diehl has been practicing his moves two days a week and raising money. He has raised over $56,000. 

“My wife and my mom are both skin cancer survivors, and while it’s not breast cancer, cancer is cancer and cancer is terrible,” Diehl said. “It hits home.”

Proceeds from Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte are being donated to the Go Jen Go Foundation, Novant Health Breast Center and the Katie Blessing Foundation.

“If we can help any of the families that are going through this, help with their medical expenses which is part of what our charities do, then it’s well worth a little time and sweat,” Diehl said.

Spectrum News 1 first interviewed Diehl in October, and since then he says he has nailed his dance moves and is ready to take the big stage. 

“I feel good about it,” Diehl said. “I’m ready.”

Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte at Knight Theater is sold out. The organization is still accepting donations for contestants through the end of the event.