Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus: A Community Project Worth Investing In

DUNELAND YMCA HEALTHY LIVING CAMPUS:
A COMMUNITY PROJECT WORTH INVESTING IN

With select summer and aquatic programming already in full-swing at the new Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus, the YMCA is proud to introduce local business owners Zack and DeAnna Wellsand of Wellsand Landscaping & Hardscapes as the chairs of the Community Campaign supporting the project as it continues to move forward into fruition. “Zack and DeAnna are exceptional community leaders and I’m sure this will continue in their role as the chairs for our upcoming Community Campaign,” said Dave Kasarda, Duneland Family YMCA CEO. “Their unwavering commitment for Duneland, strategic vision, and ability to inspire others will be instrumental in driving this initiative forward. Under their guidance, the campaign will not only raise funds but will also strengthen community ties, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for all.” 

As a lifelong resident of Duneland and YMCA member, it was an easy decision for Zack to take on this role and champion the cause. “I definitely think the Healthy Living Campus will be the center of the town. Just the daily traffic of the campus alone will generate more exposure for local businesses,” explained Zack. “I’m most excited for the community to have access to all the amenities the campus will provide. This campus isn’t just for YMCA members, there are going to be several spaces inside and outside that are free for the community to come together.” 

The abundance of space and opportunities that Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus will provide piqued the interest of DeAnna as well when the family decided to invest their efforts in the project. “When I hear ‘Healthy Living Campus,’ it’s exciting to imagine how this project will function as a campus and not just a YMCA,” commented DeAnna. “The idea that Chesterton can be a forerunner to model to other communities what a healthy living campus actually is, has me excited for the possibilities that our YMCA will be the best in our region!”  

The Wellsands are hopeful that their involvement in this project will inspire those both at home and in the community to also invest as much as they’re able into the campaign. “We remind our kids that attitude and effort always matter.  How you take pride in yourself and your community matters,” explained DeAnna. “Agreeing to involve our family in this public campaign, we explained to our kids that drawing attention to the YMCA’s Healthy Living Campus and agreeing to help raise money was a benefit for our own family and our future. It’s exciting to show them the renderings and possibilities for our community’s future. It’s important for our kids to see us invest time and effort into a meaningful campaign that intends to improve the quality of life for all the people of Duneland.” 

Echoing his wife’s sentiments, Zack implores community members to consider the legacy everyone can leave to the next generations.“I think investing in this project is important for all of the kids growing up in this town,” said Zack. “There will be so many avenues for child development, physically, mentally and socially. It’s really important for kids to learn how to win and lose gracefully while giving maximum effort with a good attitude. Investing and creating the right spaces for leaders to teach and coach our kids how to be good humans is ultimately the best legacy a whole community could leave behind for generations to come.”

With varying levels of investment opportunities available, there are opportunities for everyone in the community to take ownership in the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus development and leave their legacy or honor that of a loved one. Naming options range from grand scale items such as the gymnasium and wellness center to individual benches or trees found amongst the park grounds. To learn more about the development or give to this mission, visit www.yhlcduneland.org.  

The Community Campaign fundraising commences alongside the start of renovations by Berglund Construction on the campus. Throughout the months of July and August, interior enabling work will take place in preparation for demolition, which will begin this fall. “We are thrilled that this project is officially beginning,” said Jeff Berglund, President- Building Division, and Chief Growth Officer at Berglund Construction. “We are cognizant of the importance of this work not only for the Healthy Living Campus but also for Chesterton overall. We plan to work with the Duneland YMCA & Duneland School Corporation to be present and communicative throughout the entire process.” The interior enabling work is an internal process that will occur in areas of the building that are already vacated and will have minimal impact on neighbors and community members participating in activities at the site.

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women, and children – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has long-standing relationships and a physical presence not just to promise but to deliver lasting personal and social change. More information can be located at www.dunelandymca.org.

About the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus Project

At the Y, we believe that when we devote our full strength to our mission and cause, work in partnership with others, and build on our commitment to the children, families, and underserved people of Duneland, we can address the most pressing issues of our community unlike any other organization. The Healthy Living Campus is combining adaptive reuse and new construction to create a new community hub and park in the heart of Chesterton. With the inclusion of several non-profit and healthcare partners, we are building more than just a YMCA. The campus will be an innovative space fostering collaboration within a one-stop-shop capable of addressing a variety of community health and wellness needs. Learn more about this project at www.yhlcduneland.org

Duneland Education Foundation Pledges Support for STEM Education with Generous Investment in the Duneland YMCA’s Healthy Living Campus

Duneland Education Foundation Pledges Support for STEM Education with Generous Investment in the Duneland YMCA’s Healthy Living Campus

Pictured (from left to right): Dave Kasarda, CEO of Duneland Family YMCA ; Abby Evans, secretary of DEF; Meg McCarel, executive Director of DEF ; John Kroft and Darlene Kittredge, founding board members of DEF ; Jim Trout, Chief Volunteer Officer of Duneland Family YMCA ; Elissa Dortmund, President of the Board of Directors of DEF

For Immediate Release – June 18, 2024 Press Release

As a long-standing non-profit staple in the Duneland community, the Duneland Family YMCA is elated to have strengthened its relationship with another local non-profit that is also continuously positively impacting our youth. The Duneland Education Foundation, founded in the mid-1980’s, has been steadily expanding upon their efforts to enhance the learning experiences for children in Duneland and their donation towards a STEM room at the new Healthy Living Campus is a significant move indeed. 

Noting their confidence that the YHLC will serve as a vibrant community center in the heart of downtown Chesterton, the foundation’s board of directors was excited to explore their possibilities to both benefit the masses while also honoring their founding members.

"As our foundation began discussing the possibility of donating to the YHLC, we wanted to make sure we chose something that would match our goal of enhancing educational experiences with the Duneland community. When the board learned of the opportunity to put our donation toward a STEM room, we never looked back!"

The foundation’s director, Meg McCarel, echoed Dortmund’s excitement in getting involved with the YHLC project as the foundation’s board expands upon their community works. “It is so exciting to work with this board,” exclaimed McCarel. “We are now more visible than ever before and are finding new, fun ways to help the students and teachers in our community.”

 

While the Duneland Family YMCA has offered a handful of engaging STEM related programs and activities over the years, the ability to have the space at the YHLC to build out a dedicated space for STEM will be a game-changer for Y programming. Stepping in to support this opportunity and make it happen was seemingly kismet for the foundation, who at their core seek out these types of moments to best benefit students and educators. “Being able to give Duneland youth a place to enhance their learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is the perfect way to give back! I am incredibly excited to see this room in action and so proud of our foundation for making the decision to support this incredible project,” exclaimed Dortmund.

 

It goes without saying that as the Duneland Family YMCA continues to forge ahead with finalizing plans for the YHLC, these types of investments are undoubtedly appreciated and imperative to bring this first of its kind vision to light. “The philanthropic gift made by the Duneland Education Foundation to the Duneland YMCA’s Healthy Living Campus STEM classroom is a truly transformative investment in our community’s future,” said Dave Kasarda, Duneland Family YMCA CEO. “It not only enhances educational opportunities by providing vital resources for STEM learning but also empowers our youth to develop essential skills for tomorrow’s challenges. This contribution underscores their commitment to fostering innovation, education, and health, creating a brighter, more promising future for all.”

 

This announcement follows closely on the heels of the Duneland Family YMCA’s announcement of the extraordinary contribution from the Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation for a 20-acre public park on the YHLC campus. More information regarding this project and how to contribute to the capital campaign can be found at www.yhlcduneland.org.

 

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women, and children – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has long-standing relationships and a physical presence not just to promise but to deliver lasting personal and social change. More information can be located at www.dunelandymca.org.

 

About the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus Project

At the Y, we believe that when we devote our full strength to our mission and cause, work in partnership with others, and build on our commitment to the children, families, and underserved people of Duneland, we can address the most pressing issues of our community unlike any other organization. The Healthy Living Campus is combining adaptive reuse and new construction to create a new community hub and park in the heart of Chesterton. With the inclusion of several non-profit and healthcare partners, we are building more than just a YMCA. The campus will be an innovative space fostering collaboration within a one-stop-shop capable of addressing a variety of community health and wellness needs.

Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus Announces Investor for Community Park

Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus Announces Investor for Community Park

For Immediate Release – May 16, 2024 Press Release

The Duneland YMCA is thrilled to announce another investor in the new Healthy Living Campus development. The 20-acre park encompassed in the development will become Cleveland-Cliffs Community Park.

The new community park that will be part of the Healthy Living Campus is made possible with generous support from The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation. This 20-acre park will be on the east side of the building, facing 8th street in between Morgan and Porter avenues, in downtown Chesterton.

The Cleveland-Cliffs Community Park will be open and accessible to all individuals. The park will feature walking paths, gardens, gathering space and elements to enhance environmental sustainability. The Healthy Living Campus boasts several non-profit partners, including Dunes Learning Center – the organization will contribute to the park planning to ensure the natural ecosystem mirrors that of the nearby Indiana Dunes National Park to create a cohesive system.

 

“This generous investment from one of our region’s most prominent corporations will have a lasting impact on both the Healthy Living Campus and Northwest Indiana,” said Dave Kasarda, Duneland YMCA CEO. “Cleveland-Cliffs’ dedication to creating an environmentally sustainable landmark here in Chesterton is notable and historic.”

Current projections show that the Healthy Living Campus will serve 1,500 visitors daily from seven counties across Northwest Indiana, as folks will come to utilize the services of the collocated partners. The Duneland YMCA believes that the Cleveland-Cliffs Community Park would attract at least 200 daily visitors, with upwards of 500 visitors during the warmer season. The park also includes an events pavilion endowed by the Dunbar Family Foundation, as was publicly announced in late 2023.

 

The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation pledged to support the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus and new community park. This project is combining adaptive reuse and new construction to create a vibrant and innovative community hub in the heart of Chesterton, Indiana. Cliffs’ support will enable the new park to be built and accessible to the entire community.

 

The 20-acre Cleveland-Cliffs Community Park will supplement the existing park space that the Town of Chesterton owns and operates on the west end of the development site. Together, these two parks will create ample green space surrounding the Healthy Living Campus.

This landmark investment is part of the Duneland YMCA’s capital campaign for the Healthy Living Campus. The capital campaign includes the costs of the demolition, adaptive reuse, new construction, and renovation costs for both the Duneland YMCA and the eight additional non-profit and healthcare partners who will have physical space in the Healthy Living Campus.

 

More information regarding this project and how to contribute to the capital campaign can be found at http://www.yhlcduneland.org.

About the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus Project

At the Y, we believe that when we devote our full strength to our mission and cause, work in partnership with others, and build on our commitment to the children, families, and underserved people of Duneland, we can address the most pressing issues of our community unlike any other organization. The Healthy Living Campus is combining adaptive reuse and new construction to create a new community hub and park in the heart of Chesterton. With the inclusion of eight non-profit and healthcare partners, we are building more than just a YMCA. The campus will be an innovative space fostering collaboration within a one-stop-shop capable of addressing a variety of community health and wellness needs.

 

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women, and children – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, Y has long-standing relationships and a physical presence not just to promise but to deliver lasting personal and social change. www.dunelandymca.org

 

About Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest flat-rolled steel producer in North America. Founded in 1847 as a mine operator, Cliffs also is the largest manufacturer of iron ore pellets in North America. The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest supplier of steel to the automotive industry in North America and serves a diverse range of other markets due to its comprehensive offering of flat-rolled steel products. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland-Cliffs employs approximately 28,000 people across its operations in the United States and Canada. www.clevelandcliffs.com

Duneland Y Receives Gift From The Forchetti Family For Early Childhood Education At New YMCA Healthy Living Campus​

Duneland Y Receives Gift From The Forchetti Family For Early Childhood Education At New YMCA Healthy Living Campus

For Immediate Release – April 8, 2024 Press Release

The Duneland Family YMCA is elated to announce a generous and unprecedented donation from Dr. and Mrs. John & Linnea Forchetti towards the capital campaign funding the YMCA Healthy Living Campus. Growing the legacy they’ve planted in the Duneland community at the Forchetti Family YMCA Center for Early Learning (located at 270 E Burdick Road), this gift will go toward the development of the early education space and programming at our new, first-of-its-kind community hub.

 

Deeply rooted in the Duneland community, the Forchetti’s raised their four children, Marci, Tony, Chrissy, and Derrick, in the same house they live in today. With the new YMCA Healthy Living Campus being just a short walk or bike ride down 5th Street from the family home, it would have served as a prime location for the Forchetti children growing up. “We’ve been involved with the Y forever, I remember I learned how to swim at the Y,” recalls Tony. “My dad played handball at the Y, it was just always an important place in my parents’ lives, in our family life.” Noting that although none of the siblings live locally today, the community that has long embraced the family is still ‘home’ to them all, and they are proud of the legacy their parents are establishing through their unwavering support to the YMCA and its mission.

 

Having helped launch and sustain the Forchetti Family YMCA Center for Early Learning with their selfless gifts since it opened in the Fall of 2020, the segway to propelling support towards the YMCA Healthy Living Campus was organic for Forchetti’s. Linnea said the family was inspired to invest in this new project because, “We think this is a wonderful concept and so much more than just a Y!” Hopeful that this project will ignite a spark in the community that ripples throughout the downtown area, Linnea went on to emphasize that, “The community has been so good to us, to our kids, that it is important for us to give back by investing in the Y.”

 

Lifelong advocates for those looking to better themselves through health, education, and wellness, the Forchetti family hopes their continued investment in the community will inspire others, both in Duneland and throughout the region, to do the same. “I was amazed at the classrooms already there when I went on a tour recently. The children were so happy and really thriving,” recounted Linnea. “John and I are blessed to be in the position to help, and we’re sure others will give as they’re able to as well. We better get these little ones going, with early education and the other great resources coming to this campus, because they’re going to be taking care of us someday.”

 

The YMCA is honored and proud of their working relationship with such a philanthropic family, and thanks the Forchetti family for their overwhelming confidence in the project’s overall vision and success. “While the Forchetti family’s philanthropic support may seem like a mere act of generosity, it’s much more profound,” explained Dave Kasarda, Duneland Family YMCA CEO. “Their investment in early childhood education and the Duneland Family YMCA is a testament to their vision for a brighter future. By nurturing young minds and fostering community through initiatives like these, they’re not just building structures; they’re constructing the foundation upon which our society’s greatest achievements will stand.”

This announcement comes just over one month since the Duneland Family YMCA announced their board’s overwhelming financial support of the YMCA Healthy Living Campus, totaling over half a million dollars. More information regarding this project and how to contribute to the capital campaign can be found at www.yhlcduneland.org.

 

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women, and children – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has long-standing relationships and a physical presence not just to promise but to deliver lasting personal and social change. More information can be located at www.dunelandymca.org.

 

About the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus Project

At the Y, we believe that when we devote our full strength to our mission and cause, work in partnership with others, and build on our commitment to the children, families, and underserved people of Duneland, we can address the most pressing issues of our community unlike any other

Duneland Y Boasts 100% Board of Directors Investments in New Healthy Living Campus Project, Totaling Over Half a Million Dollars

Duneland Y Boasts 100% Board of Directors Investments in New Healthy Living Campus Project, Totaling Over Half a Million Dollars

For Immediate Release – February 5, 2024 Press Release

 

The Duneland Family YMCA is thrilled to announce that the construction planning phase for the Healthy Living Campus project is underway and on schedule. Additionally, the capital campaign period is simultaneously in full-swing and gaining both momentum and the attention of local foundations and corporations.

 

Bolstered by the unwavering support of its board of directors, the capital campaign has seen 100 percent of the board pledge over half a million dollars, and counting, to this project. While the board, comprised of a diverse mix of local residents representing a wide range of industries and demographics, regularly contributes their time and expertise, this tremendous monetary support is an undeniable sign of a healthy non-profit initiative. Of their collective donation, a record size for Porter County non-profit organizations, Board President Jim Trout said, “I am deeply moved by the remarkable generosity demonstrated by our board of directors. I believe that their visionary contributions will undoubtedly inspire other investors to join us on this meaningful journey, fostering a ripple effect of philanthropy that will enhance our ability to create lasting, positive change in the lives of those we serve.”

 

The YMCA is proud of its board for leading the way and boldly displaying their confidence in the project’s overall vision and success. “I am immensely proud and grateful for the outstanding financial support we received from our board of directors,” said Dave Kasarda, Duneland Family YMCA CEO. “Their unwavering commitment to our mission has empowered us to reach new heights and make a lasting impact in our community. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for all. Their leadership exemplifies the true spirit of collaboration and shared values, as we look forward to achieving even greater milestones through the development of the YMCA Healthy Living Campus.”

 

This announcement comes one month after the Duneland Family YMCA announced the historic contribution from the Dunbar Family Foundation, which will enable the construction of an outdoor pavilion at the Healthy Living Campus. More information regarding this project and how to contribute to the capital campaign can be found at www.yhlcduneland.org.

2024 Indianapolis NBA All-Star Legacy Grant “Rising Stars”

CHS Student, Academic, and Community Leader Shines Bright at 2024 NBA All-Star with "Rising Stars" Grant

01.03.2023 Pacers v. Bucks

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis NBA All-Star 2024 Host Committee announced today they have awarded 24 members of the class of 2024 as Indianapolis NBA All-Star Rising Stars in association with the NBA All-Star Legacy Grants. This award includes a $2,400 scholarship for each Rising Star payable to the college, university, or postsecondary institution they attend after high school graduation.

When NBA All-Star was originally scheduled to be held in 2021, NBA All-Star Host Committee committed to completing 21 Legacy Grant projects and recognizing 21 deserving Rising Stars. Since moving to 2024, Legacy Grants of up to $50,000 have been awarded to three additional organizations, bringing the total Legacy Grant projects to 24.

In addition, each of the now 24 Legacy Grantees nominated high school-aged Rising Stars for their project. From those nominees, the Indianapolis NBA All-Star Legacy Committee, a subcommittee of the Host Committee, selected one Rising Star for each of the 24 Legacy Grants to receive this honor and scholarship.

“Recognizing 21 Rising Stars in 2021 for leadership in their schools and communities was extraordinary,” said Rick Fuson, NBA All-Star Board of Directors and Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO. “We are honored to recognize 24 additional students as they are both a testament to their schools, selves, and communities and to the commitment of our Legacy Grantees to serving the youth in their communities.”

The NBA All-Star Legacy Grants focus on youth-serving nonprofit organizations across Indiana. The initiative provided 24 grants up to $50,000 for brick-and-mortar projects focused on health and wellness or education with an estimated impact on 90,000 youth statewide.

Duneland Family YMCA
Zoe Trakas, Chesterton High School (Chesterton, IN)

With a current cumulative grade point average of 4.6, dedicated athlete, and avid volunteer, Zoe Trakas is an exceptional member of the Chesterton High School community.

Zoe is a four-year team member and scholar athlete for the Chesterton High School golf team. In the community, she cleans the high school greenhouse, makes dog toys for local animal shelters, volunteers at the elementary school fun fair, and has helped with the American Heart Association walk set-up.

She is a participant in the International Baccalaureate program and loves any opportunity to travel aboard.

“Zoe is a quiet yet driven student,” said her nominator, Dave Kasarda. “She chose to enter the International Baccalaureate program as the curriculum prepares students for college and the emphasis on community service.”

You can find Zoe at the Sand Creek Country Club outside of school, working as a part-time golf attendant.

Duneland Y receives a gift from the Dunbar Family Foundation for the YMCA Healthy Living Campus “Airnasium.”

Duneland Y receives a gift from the Dunbar Family Foundation for the YMCA Healthy Living Campus “Airnasium.”

For Immediate Release – December 14, 2023 Press Release

The Duneland YMCA is thrilled to announce a generous contribution from the Dunbar Family Foundation towards the YMCA Healthy Living Campus. This thoughtful gift will enable the construction of an outdoor pavilion, as the Y refers to it, as an “Airnasium”. This outdoor pavilion will live in the heart of the YMCA Healthy Living Campus, which plans to begin demolition in the summer of 2024. The pavilion will feature a covered stage for performances, events, markets, and plenty of seating and shade. It will be a place for families to enjoy picnics, children to play, and adults to socialize.

Driven by a deep sense of gratitude for their community, Bob and Becky Dunbar established the Dunbar Family Foundation. Chesterton High School Class of 1974 graduate Debbie Dunbar Brown sits on the board alongside her brothers, Dick Dunbar and Dave Dunbar. She stated, “Our parents established this non-profit foundation to benefit the citizens of the Duneland community, and although our board members do not live there currently, we take that charge very seriously.”

“The current and future programming perfectly aligns with our foundation’s core values,” says Debbie Dunbar Brown. “Enhancing education, social services, and community improvement. We proudly support the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus and feel certain it will have benefits beyond measure for years to come.”

This family-led foundation has supported the Duneland YMCA for many years, and the Y is honored to receive their continued support and this gift to our community.

“The Dunbar Family Foundation’s gift is a testament to their unwavering commitment to our community,” said Duneland YMCA CEO Dave Kasarda. “Their generosity will profoundly impact the lives of countless individuals and families, and we are deeply honored to have their support.”

Merry Spin-Mas!

Join us for a month-long celebration of fitness and giving back to the community!

Our spin instructors are racing to the North Pole! All month long our spin classes will be filled with holiday cheer as each team makes the long trek. You can join in the fun at any spin class Monday – Saturday. See the schedule below! We will also be collecting items for Making a Kid Smile, and each item brought in adds to the miles of your chosen team! MAKS is dedicated to helping local foster children by providing primary care and comfort items while they are displaced from home. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of others and have some fun along the way.

Dancing Like the Stars 2023 Shatters Attendance and Fundraising Records

Dancing Like the Stars 2023 Shatters Attendance and Fundraising Records

Duneland Family YMCA’s signature fundraising event was a resounding success, raising over $165,000 to support the Y’s programs and services. The sold-out show at Blue Chip Casino Stardust Event Center on Saturday, November 4, featured nine local celebrities performing personalized choreographed dances to the cheers of 650 guests and raising awareness of the Y’s cause and mission. The event broke records for both attendance and fundraising, making it one of the most successful fundraisers in Duneland YMCA history.

This year’s theme, “The Y-Cademy Awards,” invited guests to dress for the red carpet or in support of their favorite dancer’s movie theme, which included the Barbie Movie, Space Jam, Mary Poppins, Napolean Dynamite, and more! The fundraiser also included dinner, live and silent auctions, as well as a surprise unveiling from Berglund Construction of a multi-view exterior rendering of the Future Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus.

The star-studded lineup included Ron Bocian (Urschel Laboratories), Taylor Chamberlain (Duneland School Corporation), Becky Clarke (Wee Care), Elizabeth Garcia (Blackrock Real Estate), Heather Hradek (Chesterton Family Dental), Katie Kutch (Duneland Y), Heather Piehl (NorthShore Health Centers), Kirk Redman (Duneland School Board), Bob Swiatek (Trinity Displays and Duneland Y Board Member). The event was hosted by Y 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 Murry (Val’s Famous Pizza and Grinders). Opening acts included an acoustic duet from Priscilla Sabourin and Drew Stolz following a performance from the Powerhouse Senior Elite Dance Team.

“I had an amazing time. Stepping outside my comfort zone, learning a dance, and performing on stage was a thrill!” said Taylor Chamberlain, “I couldn’t have done it without my support system of family, friends, and local business sponsors. We do it for the kids and families of Duneland!”

These community leaders sought sponsorships and people’s choice votes and invited countless guests to be part of their “cheering sections,” all to entertain the crowd, help others, and win the competition! Each volunteer dancer was given dance lessons from Powerhouse Dance Company (formally Dancebizz Centre for Dance) in Chesterton. The volunteers brought everything to the stage, blowing away the crowd with outstanding performances and philanthropy.

Awards were given in appreciation of the contestants’ efforts. Becky Clarke, with dance partner Heather Olson, won the Judge’s Choice Award, honoring the best performance of the evening. 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. The People’s Choice Award was determined by the number of votes received by each star, which cost $5 each; Elizabeth Garcia, with dance and singing partner Johnny James, won with 1,488 votes; you do the math! Bob Swiatek won the Shining Star Award for being the top fundraiser, raising over $40,000 in sponsorships, ticket sales, and votes. The Team Spirit Award was given to Kirk Redman and his dance partner Amy Redman, who brought a sea of Pink Ladies and T-birds to rev up the excitement!

“The DLTS event committee, dancers, and volunteers poured their heart and soul into this event. I’m honored to be a part of such an incredible team, and I’m blown away by the support we received this year.” Said 2023 Event Chairperson Kelly Sieman, “The performances were phenomenal, and I’m so grateful to everyone who made this event a success!”

Duneland Y’s annual Dancing Like the Stars fundraiser has evolved over the years and proven to be a success year after year. Celebrating the 13th annual in the upcoming year, this unique event brings creativity, fun, and friendly competition to help others in the Duneland Community. All proceeds from the event benefit Duneland Y’s financial assistance program, which provides free programming and scholarships for childcare, memberships, and more to local families.

Sponsors for the evening included Platinum Sponsors: Chesterton Family Dental, H&T Electrical, NorthShore Health Centers, Trinity Displays, and Jim & Lindsay Trout. Gold Sponsors: Berglund Construction, Chesterton Feed & Garden Center, Corey G. Hecht, CFP. Merrill, Trout Glass and Mirror, Vidimos, Inc., Wellsand Landscaping and Hardscapes. Silver Sponsors: Paul Boyter, McColly Real Estate, Centier Bank, Carney Construction, Ellis Electric, Inc., Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa, CAPTRUST Chesterton, Gary & Mary Lou Carney, Blackrock Real Estate Services, Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics, Judge Thode, The Olson Family, Kirk & Amy Redman, NITCO, Bozovich Wellness Center, Kleckner Interior Systems, Dunes Realty, Global Innovative Solutions, Jodi Gheaja – Realty Executives, Carter Lumber, Biggby Coffee, NIPSCO, Urschel Laboratories, Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Bronze Sponsors: John VanDenburgh, Simplex System Controls, The Periodontal Group, Ennis Builders, Martin Binder Jeweler, Glacial Sands Oral, Facial, Implant Surgery, Discovery Charter School, Chris at The Mortgage Exchange, Frontier Electric Supply, Brock Lloyd – Edward Jones. Supporting Sponsors: Edmonds & Evans Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Dr. Michael & Kathy Uzelac, Endodontics, Inc., RV Sutton Inc., The Waxi Taxi, Meridian Title Corporation, Ronald “Red” Stone, IBEW Local 531, Chesterton Fit Body Bootcamp.

Volunteers Wanted: Are you interested or know someone who’d be a great volunteer dancer for the 2024 Dancing Like the Stars? Email [email protected] to nominate someone from the Duneland Community who is ready to help make a difference! Until next year…see you at the Y!

BLACK FRIDAY / CYBER MONDAY / Nov. 24-27

Take advantage of our Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals – this year’s best deals! Whether you plan to become a member or commit to personal or small group training, take advantage of these BIG savings starting Friday, November 24, and running until Monday, November 27. Hurry – these savings won’t be here long!

THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO JOIN!

NO JOIN FEE & NO PAYMENT until Dec. 15th

Enjoy no payment to join the Y on Black Friday – up to $130 savings!

This deal is available Friday, Nov. 24th through Monday, Nov. 27th. The regular draft begins on Dec. 15th. You must sign up in person or online. Use code “GOBBLE” to purchase online.

10 Day Pass only $40

Are you looking to Try the Y or home for winter break? Save on a 10-day pass for only $40. All classes are included! No strings attached! You must sign up in person or online. Use code “10DAYPASS” to purchase online.

Buy 1 Get 1 50% off Personal Training Packages

For existing and new training clients, enjoy a a buy one get one 50% off savings on personal packages.

Training Package deal only available Friday, Nov. 24th. Training packages must be purchased in person or over the phone. Call (219) 926-4204 or visit the Duneland YMCA front desk.