By Christine Price
Columnist
Excitement, anticipation and just a touch of nerves filled the room at 1922 Coffee and Brew in Painesville on Tuesday, May 19, as this year’s cast of community “celebrities” gathered for the kickoff of the 16th annual Dancing Under the Stars fundraiser.
While the performances are still weeks away, the energy in the room made it clear the countdown to showtime has officially begun!
Presented by Lifeline Inc. and the Sexual and Reproductive Health Division of Signature Health, Dancing Under the Stars has become one of Lake County’s most anticipated summer fundraisers since the two nonprofit organizations partnered to launch the event in 2009.
The collaboration was originally encouraged through a grant from the Cleveland Foundation, designed to promote greater efficiency and effectiveness in nonprofit fundraising efforts.
Inspired by the popular television show “Dancing with the Stars,” the event pairs local civic, corporate and community personalities with professional dance instructors for a spirited dance competition – all while raising funds to support vital local services.
This year’s event will take place Friday, July 31, at LaMalfa in Mentor. The evening will include a buffet dinner, open bar and dance performances judged by a professional panel.
Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit both organizations and help support services for low-income residents throughout the area.
Lifeline Inc.
Lifeline, Inc., the community action agency serving Lake and Geauga counties, works to combat poverty by empowering residents to achieve self-sufficiency and improving quality of life throughout the community.
“We are so excited for the Dancing Under the Stars event this summer,” said Carrie Dotson executive director of Lifeline. “I can’t wait to see the performances our new stars create. We are always so honored and humbled that every year a new cast of celebrities and pros pour so much time and energy into raising funds for our organizations. It’s truly incredible and we’re so appreciative.”
Sexual and Reproductive Health Division of Signature Health
Signature Health, a federally qualified health center serving Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula counties, provides comprehensive healthcare services including annual exams, cancer screenings, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, contraceptive care and limited prenatal services.
Each celebrity dancer has been paired with a professional instructor and has committed to raising a minimum of $2,500 to participate in the event.
The celebrity who raises the most funds will earn the 2026 People’s Choice Award.
This year’s celebrity dancers include Natalie Blake; sisters Jen Edgell and Aubrey Southworth; Pam Morse; Juliana Petti and Debbie Billings; Shane Richards; Melanie Scanlon; Josephine Smyser; and Todd Wagner.
The dancers will also compete for the 2026 Judges’ Choice Award, which will be decided by a panel of judges including Dawn Kendrick, Calin Panainte, Susan Seacrist and John Skiles.
Shane Richards participated as a celebrity dancer last year and will be returning to the dance floor again this year.
He urged the new dancers “to open your arms and open your hearts, have fun and give it your all!”
Serving as this year’s event chair is Lori Richards, the 2024 Judges’ Choice Award winner. Returning as emcee is Ryan Gilkerson, winner of the 2019 Peoples’ Choice Award and currently record-holder for the highest amount ever raised by a celebrity dancer at more than $18,000.
Tickets for Dancing Under the Stars will go on sale June 1 through RallyUp.
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