DANCING LIKE THE STARS 2022

The 2022 Dancing Like the Stars, Duneland Family YMCA’s signature fundraising event, was held at Blue Chip Casino Stardust Event Center on Saturday, November 5. Over 600 guests attended to cheer for nine local celebrities who performed a variety of dances to raise to provide critical funding that enables the Y to make an impact in the Duneland community and ensure that ALL are welcome and can participate in programs, classes, and activities that build a health spirit, mind and body for all. This year’s theme was “Party Like It’s 199.” Guests were encouraged to add to the fun by breaking out their fanny packs, windbreakers, and best 90’s themed attire. 

The impressive 2022 Stars lineup included Jim Anton, Shepherd Insurance, Jim Crawford, Lakeshore Mechanical; Corey Hecht, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management; Aimee Monik, Duneland Family YYMCA: Cami Osborn, Precision Dental; Jenny Soffin, The IN Coast; Traci Urban, Duneland School District; Dan Marchetti, Urschel Laboratories, Bri Nguyen, Trinity Displays. These community leaders sought sponsorships and popularity votes, and invited countless guests to be part of their “cheering sections” all in an effort to entertain the crowd, help others, and, of course, win the competition! Each dancer was provided a series of dance lessons at local studios including DanceBizz Dance Center. The performances were dazzling and the entertainment was phenomenal.

At the conclusion of the program, prizes were awarded in appreciation of the contestants’ efforts.  Judges for the evening were Calla Baily, Jessica Amling, and Raeann Trakas. Traci Urban won the Judge’s Choice Award honoring the best performance of the evening. Jenny Soffin was awarded the People’s Choice Award, which was determined by the number of popular votes received by each Star (votes were purchased for $5 each by supporters). Dan Marchetti won the Big Bucks Award by raising the most money for the event, bringing in over $17,000 in sponsorships and donations. Cami Osborn had the loudest cheering section and was awarded the Team Spirit award. New this year, Jim Anton was awarded the “All About the Benjamins Award” raising the most money that evening through donations.

Sponsors for the evening included Platinum Sponsors; Precision Dental, Trinity Displays Northshore Health Centers, Trout Family (Jim and Lindsay), American Licorice, Urschel Laboratories, Bozovich Wellness, Merill Lynch, Wells Fargo Commercial Banking, Lakeshore Mechanical, Gariup Construction, Paul Boyter McColly Real Estate, Berglund Construction, 1st Source Bank, Kroft Family, Royko Concrete, Cleveland Cliffs, NiSource, Tonn, And Blank Construction, Edmonds & Evans, Monosol, The INCoast, Adelman Trucking, Biggby Coffee, RV Sutton, Ennis Builders, Benjamin F Edwards, Metropolitan Steel, SEI Solutions, CAPTRUST, Tim and Kathy Harris, Shepherd Insurance. Northwest Health, Discovery Charter School, Waxi Taxi, Fit Body Bootcamp, Dig the Dunes, Ronald ‘Red’ Stone, NITCO, Smith Legal Group, Shinn Builders, Chris Frain, Chesterton Feed and Garden.

The Duneland Family YMCA has been serving the Duneland Communities for over 50 years focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Y is open 7 days a week. For more information on Y programs, services and membership, visit us online at www.dunelandymca.org, call (219) 926-4204, or visit the & at 215 Roosevelt St. in Chesterton. The Y. Always Here for Our Communities