Now Mark Wilson has been honoured for his involvement in helping raise a whopping $200,000 for the community he says he’d love to one day call home.

A humble Mr Wilson, who is best known as the colourful judge on the popular TV show Dancing With the Stars, has been coming to the city for the last four years to act as compere for the local fundraiser, Dancing With Our Stars.

This year he even returned for the Griffith Takes 2 Series 2.

He said he was honoured to receive the accolade but was quick to talk down his impressive involvement.

The five-time dancesport champion admitted to being shocked when he was presented a certificate of appreciation earlier this month from event organisers Sam Panarello and Pat Sergi.

“I had no idea, I was completely shocked,” he said. “It was nice but I don’t do it to get any recognition; I do it for this great community.

“I was bought up in Thomastown in Melbourne and it’s got a lot of Italian influences. I can see those traditional family ways are still alive in Griffith and I think its something the town should hang on to, it’s something rare and special.

“It might sound weird but I say to my wife Anne-Maree I’d definitely

consider retiring to Griffith.”

Griffith Takes 2 organiser Mr Sergi said it was local radio host Brad George who came up

with the idea to pay tribute to Mr Wilson’s generosity.

“Brad suggested we approach council and I’m glad he did,” he said.

“For Mark to have been a part of raising approximately $200,000 for Griffith is amazing.

“It was a delight to be able to recognise the support and dedication he has given this community.”