After a four-year hiatus brought on by the pandemic, the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition’s Dancing with Vero’s Stars fundraiser at Riverside Theatre didn’t miss a step.

The stars shone brightly as 10 local celebrities, each partnered with a professional dancer, stepped into dancing shoes and the limelight during the event’s 12th year. Mirror Ball 2015 and 2017 winners Karen Franke and Lisa Thompson Barnes co-chaired the event with a stellar committee of ‘backup dancers.’

The nonprofit is dedicated to ensuring that every baby born in Indian River County has the opportunity for a healthy, thriving start in life through a system of care that includes free evidence-based classes and services to optimize the health of women, children and families.

“We work tirelessly in this community to make sure that every mom, baby and family has a healthy start. And without this evening, we would not be able to do what we do every single day,” said Megan McFall, who joined Healthy Start as CEO earlier this year. “We believe that building a healthy family builds healthier communities for us all.”

With equal point value given to dollars raised and their performances, the dancers gave it their all, their efforts impressively raising $445,000.

Lundy Fields was the top overall fundraiser and emerged victorious when combined with the perfect score he received dancing swing with partner Amy Trammell, ultimately taking home the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. Jessica Kurutz was the top online fundraiser.

Dancers arrived in chauffeur-driven cars, stopping to chat with Red Carpet host John Moore before heading into the lobby for cocktails and to peruse the dizzying array of auction items.

Hamp Elliott and Tiffany Corr teamed up to emcee the star-studded show, and retired Vero Beach High School drama teacher Dee Rose-Imbro, dance champion Jose Decamps and former dancer Marty Mercado comprised the judges’ panel.

A lone seat in the sold-out theater held a hat and flowers in memory of the late Kathie Pierce, acknowledging her commitment to the nonprofit and DWVS.

“She knew that these programs were vital to making sure these mothers and babies and families would get off to a perfect start on a new chapter in their lives,” said husband Michael Pierce.

The competition was steep as the star dancers poured their hearts and ‘soles’ into electrifying performances in a diverse selection of dance styles.

County Commissioner Joe Earman tangoed with Tanya Chaves, demonstrating that his firefighting days are still with him with a smokin’ performance that earned a 24. “I loved the lines. I loved the character,” said Rose-Imbro.

Angel Tamayo stepped in at the very last minute to partner with JoAnn Crosby, Alimentari Gourmet Market owner, earning a 24 for their jazz performance. Decamps said he enjoyed the comedy aspect of it.

LPGA golfer Jackie Stoelting, dancing cha-cha/swing with Michael Chaves, earned a perfect score of 30, proving she is on par even off the golf course. Rose-Imbro told the couple, “You had it tonight from the word go.”

Lundy Fields, VNA CEO, earned a perfect score with Amy Trammell, who tailored their swing dance to Fields’ love of surfing with a high-energy fusion performance. Rose-Imbro responded to it with, “Go, go, Grandpa. Groove your booty!”

Realtor E.L. Billero sold his jazz/cha-cha with partner Stephanie Aviles, earning them a 28. “You pulled the audience in and had a really good time,” said Mercado.

Indian River Distillery owner Ray Hooker earned a 26 dancing an Argentine Tango with partner Marianella Tobar. Decamps said, “This was incredible to see. I don’t think I would have done as well as you.”

Dr. Collin Kitchell partnered with Karren Walter in a Latin jazz routine that was just what the doctor ordered, earning a 28. Mercado said she “loved the booty shake and strong ending.”

Academy Mortgage branch manager Jessica Kurutz and Primo Garcia earned a 28 for their “Dirty Dancing” cha-cha. “I just wanted to come up there and be Jennifer Grey and dance with you,” said Rose-Kimbro.

Image and interior style specialist Kristina Pernfors partnered with Dimas Caraballo, earning a 27 for their sizzling salsa. “Out of everybody tonight, your upper torso carriage was gorgeous,” said Mercado.

Attorney Mandy Fetzer danced the cha-cha with Robert Scott to earn a 29. Decamps said, “I love the way that you were connected together.”

As Scott Nuttall of Nuttall, Donini & Associates CPAs oversaw and verified the voting, the audience enjoyed a lavish dessert reception before the winners were announced to raucous applause.

For more information, visit irchealthystartcoalition.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis