Joyce Andrews, left, and Rebecca Bazzoni, second from left, from Joe’s Kids, accept a donation of $1,600 from “Dancing with the Stars for Charity” champions Trace Hansen, of Eastlake Skating Center, second from right, and Karri Morgan of Warsaw Community Schools, far right, at last years event. Photo provided.

News Release

WARSAW — The popular Dancing with the Stars for Charity event is returning to the Warsaw Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29. This evening of dance and philanthropy will bring together employees from Warsaw Community Schools and local community members to perform in support of 10 charities.

The event, now in its third year, continues to be a shining example of community spirit, raising nearly $25,000 in the past two events combined. For 2025, organizers have set an ambitious goal.

“We want to raise $25,000 in one night,” said Kris Lake, producer and organizer of the event. “Our goal is to exceed $50,000 in total donations, and I truly believe we can achieve that this year!”

What makes Dancing with the Stars for Charity particularly special is the transformation that takes place as individuals — many with no prior dance experience — prepare for the big night. The event provides the community a rare opportunity to see participants grow and develop through rehearsals while supporting important causes in the process.

“This event is not just about dancing; it’s about coming together to make a difference,” Lake added.

Tickets for the event are available now and range from $14 to $30, depending on seating preference. All proceeds from ticket sales will be divided evenly among the featured charities, with the winning team’s charity receiving a slightly larger share. Tickets can be purchased online at warsawschools.org/pac or by calling the WCHS Performing Arts Center Box Office at (574) 371-5040 during school hours.

This year’s event will feature 10 teams, each consisting of a WCS staff member, a community participant and two talented students from the Warsaw High School Dance Department, who will serve as choreographers. The teams will perform to raise awareness and funds for the following charities: Fellowship Missions, Food Bank of Northern Indiana, Project Ebeneezer, Kosciusko Senior Services, Fear is a Liar Ministries, Giving Basics, Boomerang Backpacks, Giant Paw Prints Rescue, My Team Triumph, and Habitat for Humanity.

“We aim to feature a diverse range of local not-for-profit organizations each year,” explained Lake. “Our only criterion is that these organizations serve a need of some kind within Kosciusko County.”

This year’s teams include:

• Team #1: WCS staff member Tim Devlin and community member Crystal Watters, dancing for Fellowship Missions, with choreography by Courtney Brower and Dakota Gardner.

• Team #2: WCS staff member Lauren Sponseller and Scotty Rocker, supporting the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, choreographed by Ella Gonzalez and Amber Whitaker.

• Team #3: WCS employee Kelly Bradley and Nathan Underneath, dancing for Project Ebeneezer, with choreography by Victoria Peloza and Shannon Smith.

• Team #4: Megan Davis and Scott Clay, supporting Kosciusko Senior Services, choreographed by Kaelyn Stoffel and Zariya Buchan.

• Team #5: WCS employee Leo Patino and Courtney Brown, dancing for Fear is a Liar Ministries, with choreography by Chloe Kim and Scarlett Walters.

• Team #6: WCS staff member Griffin Heckaman and Karris Sigler Nissley, dancing for Giving Basics, with choreography by Malori McDaniels and Kayanna Secrest.

• Team #7: Joel Duran and April Slone, supporting Boomerang Backpacks, choreographed by Maddy Hart and Izzy Rozelle.

• Team #8: WCS employee Erin Leinbach and Nash Christiansen, dancing for Giant Paw Prints Rescue, with choreography by Lily Kincaid and Kenzie Langhorn.

• Team #9: WCS staffer Donna Moudy and Keaton Anderson, supporting My Team Triumph, choreographed by Lexi Reece and Bella Boley.

• Team #10: Leo Jones and Quentin Slothour, dancing for Habitat for Humanity, with choreography by Jazmyn Taylor and Kaylee Baker.

“We’re incredibly blessed to have such an amazing cast this year,” Lake said. “This event wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of our dancers, choreographers, and volunteers. What you’ll see on stage will truly be a miracle in motion.”

The 2025 Dancing with the Stars for Charity promises to be a memorable evening filled with passion, talent, and community support. All funds raised will directly benefit the 10 featured charities, making a tangible impact on those in need within the Kosciusko County area.

For tickets and more information, visit warsawschools.org/pac or contact the box office at (574) 371-5040.