DUNELAND FAMILY YMCA CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING SUCCESS AT DANCING LIKE THE STARS EVENT

DUNELAND FAMILY YMCA CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING
SUCCESS AT DANCING LIKE THE STARS EVENT
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CHESTERTON, IN – November 7, 2024 – Duneland Family YMCA is delighted to celebrate a record-breaking success at the
Dancing Like the Stars-Band Together For The Y annual fundraising event, raising over $170,000 to support the local
community through scholarships and financial assistance for childcare, memberships, active older adult programs, and
other services.
This sold-out show was held on Saturday, November 2 nd , at Blue Chip Casino Stardust Event Center. The exuberant 620
guests cheered while nine local celebrity dancers and their dance partners performed individual choreographed dances
created by Powerhouse Dance Company, to help fundraise and support the mission of the YMCA. This rock and roll
themed event broke fundraising records for the Duneland Family YMCA, making it the most successful fundraising event
in Duneland history.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible success of Dancing Like the Stars, both in terms of financial impact and in
advancing the mission of the YMCA. This unforgettable evening not only raised vital funds to support the Y's programs
and initiatives but also brought together over 600 guests, fostering a deeper understanding and connection to the
YMCA's core values of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.” said Dave Kasarda, Duneland Family
YMCA’s CEO, “The event was a shining example of community spirit, and we are grateful to all who participated,
supported, and made it such a resounding success. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more connected
community for all.”
The star-studded lineup included Allison Susdorf (Duneland School Corporation’s Early Learning HUB), Barbra
Stooksbury (Smith Legal Group, LLC), Beth Richardson (Serenity Salon & Spa), Donna Skeesick (Duneland Family YMCA),
Erin Collins (Chesterton Town Council), Jason Ewing (Stevenson & Company), Sarah Pedroza (Breakthrough Technologies),
Savana Ralston (Centier Bank), and Tom Wisch (Allstate Insurance and Duneland YMCA Board Member). The event was
hosted by YMCA Board Member Tiffany Bozovich (Bozovich Wellness Center) and Zack Wellsand (Wellsand Landscaping
and Hardscapes), with a backstage run of the show and tech by Kevin Murray (Val’s Famous Pizza & Grinders). The
opening act included a performance from the Powerhouse Senior Elite Dance Team from Powerhouse Dance Company
of Chesterton. This year’s volunteer judges included Jacob Lukach (Duneland School Corporation), Maura
Mundell (Duneland Chamber of Commerce), and two students of the Powerhouse Dance Company.
This event was made possible due to the support of our amazing sponsors to include Platinum Sponsors: Northshore
Health Centers, Trinity Displays, H&T Electrical Services LLC, Trout Glass & Mirror Inc, and Wellsand Landscaping &


DUNELAND FAMILY YMCA 215 Roosevelt Street, Chesterton, IN 46304 219 926 4204
www.dunelandymca.org

Hardscapes. Gold Sponsors: Centier Bank, Bozovich Wellness Center, Berglund Construction, Precision Dental Center,
Vidimos Inc, and Powering America Northwest Indiana. Silver Sponsors: Cleveland-Cliffs Inc, Urschel Laboratories Inc,
CAPTRUST, Allstate Insurance-Tom Wisch, NiSource, Chesterton Feed & Garden Center, Justin & Stephanie Neal, Smith
Legal Group LLC, Arctic Engineering Co Inc, Chesterton Family Dental, Merrill Lynch-Corey Hecht, and McColly Real
Estate-Paul Boyter.  Bronze Sponsors: Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, Serenity Salon & Spa, Kidworks LLC, Circles in the
Wind, Ennis Builders, V.Michael & Cherri Drayton, Sandra James-Mull, Friedman & Associates PC, Duneland Family
Eyecare, and Sandy Pause Yoga.

About the Duneland Family YMCA
The Duneland Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living,
and social responsibility, serving Chesterton and the surrounding communities, federated by YMCA of the USA. Through
the Duneland Family YMCA, Forchetti Family YMCA Center For Early Learning, summer camps, Out of School Learning
program sites, and new Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus, the Y’s work is felt throughout the community. Our
Mission: To put Christian values into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Financial assistance is available, regardless of income, thanks to the donors and volunteers who give their time and
financial support to the YMCA so generously. To learn more about the Duneland Family YMCA, go to
www.dunelandymca.org.