The 14th Annual Dancing with Vero’s Stars fundraiser took center stage at Riverside Theatre and shattered previous records, raising $668,000 to benefit the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition.
Ten local business professionals had traded their day jobs for dancing shoes, committing themselves to rigorous rehearsals and fundraising to support the nonprofit’s mission. The dancers’ overall scores were calculated by combining monies raised with technical scores awarded by judges Dee Rose Imbro, Barry Johnson and Ashly Bille.
The energy was electric as DWVS kicked things off with a high-octane performance by the formation dance team Latin Addiction, which paid tribute to the visiting Blue Angels and 250 years of service from our nation’s servicemen and women.
Next, the audience learned more about the vital care provided by the Healthy Start Coalition to optimize the health of local mothers, children and families, including nearly 5,000 home visits annually by healthcare professionals, doula services, and a dedicated fatherhood program.
“Tonight isn’t just about dancing, or celebrating the 10 star dancers,” Healthy Start CEO Megan McFall told the sold-out crowd.
“It’s about supporting families in this community, and every single dollar that is raised this evening comes back to the families in our community. Each and every one of you continue to show up year after year, pouring into Healthy Start which then pours into families.”
The dancer’s performances featured intricate choreography, dazzling costumes and a heavy dose of dedication.
Paige Charbonneau, owner of Studio Eleven Eleven, took home the Mirrorball trophy with partner Edwin Rivera as the evening’s overall winner. Their Paso Doble to “Golden” was full of intense drama, prompting Bille to declare the polished routine an absolute “mic drop” moment.
A nurse practitioner, Tina McCurry partnered with Jang Don and secured the Kathy Pierce Style Award for best-dressed couple. After their performance of a Bolero and Cha-Cha to “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “Just Dance,” Johnson said she handled the complex series of lifts and drops “absolutely beautifully.”
The evening’s top fundraiser was attorney Ryan Scarpa, who set an all-time individual fundraising record of $227,000. Dancing alongside Marianella Tobar, Scarpa was ambitious with an Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing and Salsa, to “Fly Me to the Moon.” Bille praised his execution, noting how flawlessly he managed the transitions between three distinct dance styles.
Melissa Zorc, owner of In Motion athletic wear, paired with Dimas Caraballo and delivered a Latin Mix to “American Sueno” and “Toxic.” The judges were captivated by their airport-themed opening, which Imbro pointed out was a creative risk that paid off perfectly.
Construction contractor Brian Hayes and Elena Smirnova danced an American Tango to “Por una cabeza.” Hayes impressed the panel with his elegant use of the stage, with Imbro noting his showmanship and framing.
Sweet Desires owner Brandy Buckner and Primo Garcia brought an electric energy to the stage with an Urban Latin Medley set to “Smooth Criminal.” Buckner’s tribute to the King of Pop was described as “smooth as silk” by the judges.
Mortgage loan officer David Imler and Karren Walter transported the audience to the 1920s with a Peabody and Swing routine to “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” Imler’s theatrical flair left Johnson suspicious that this was actually his first time performing.
County Commissioner and restaurateur Susan Adams and Lance Sexton provided a classic Slow Waltz to “I Will Always Love You,” which the judges lauded as an elegant ballroom moment with graceful lines.
South Beach Pizza 2 owner Justin Stolaj and Alexandra Bacelo injected the theater with 1970s exuberance, leaving every ounce of joyful energy that they had on the dance floor with their Jazz and Disco number to “Off the Wall.”
HBS Glass GM Rob Vaccaro and Mary Ida Spradlin closed the show with a Ballroom Hip-Hop Medley to “Swag Surfin,” “Ice Ice Baby,” and several others. The pair was praised for their automotive-themed opening and a routine that matched Vaccaro’s personality.
While the final bids were made on auction items and scores were tallied, the pro dancers showcased their exceptional skills to the audience in another new programming twist.
For more information, please visit IRCHealthyStartCoalition.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
