The Duneland Family YMCA is proud to announce a

historic achievement following this year’s Dancing Like the Stars – Color Ball, which generated

approximately $250,000 in support of scholarships and financial assistance for childcare,

memberships, senior initiatives, and a wide range of community programs.

The sold-out event took place on Saturday, November 8th, at the Blue Chip Casino Stardust

Event Center, where a vibrant crowd of 750 guests filled the room. Nine local celebrity dancers,

paired with professional partners and performing original choreography by Powerhouse Dance

Company, energized the audience as they competed while raising vital funds for the YMCA’s

mission. This year’s Color Ball set a new fundraising benchmark, making it the most successful

philanthropic event in Duneland Family YMCA history.

“Dancing Like the Stars 2025 was a defining moment for the Duneland YMCA. We welcomed

our largest crowd ever, raised more support than any year in our history, and watched our

community come together with a unity that was nothing short of remarkable,” said Duneland

Family YMCA CEO Dave Kasarda. "This historic fundraise will certainly lead to increased

impact from the Duneland YMCA's programs and scholarships in 2026."

The dazzling roster of dancers included Dana Adelman (Duneland Family YMCA), Blake and

Jami Crisman (Cleveland-Cliffs), Crystal Novak (Centier Bank), Kate O’Connor (Optimal Health

and Wellness), Michelle Renninger (Viking Built Homes), Kelly Sieman (Duneland Chamber of

Commerce and Duneland Family YMCA Board Member), Adam and Kasie Tenbarge (Duneland

School Corporation and Porter County Community Foundation), Jenny Vidimos (Retired;

Duneland School Corporation), and Tim Whalen (AECOM). The evening was hosted by Tiffany

Bozovich (Bozovich Wellness Center) and Zack Wellsand (Wellsand Landscaping and

Hardscapes), with backstage and technical support led by Kevin Murray and (Val’s Famous

Pizza & Grinders) and Jake Weitzel).

“The success of the 2025 Dancing Like the Stars gala is a direct testament to the power of the

Duneland community,” said Alisha Berglund of Berglund Construction, who chaired the

volunteer event committee. “We saw 750 community members come out to cheer on their

neighbors and raise significant funds for the Duneland YMCA. Many more contributed online

and through generous sponsorships. I am grateful to everyone who poured time and energy into

this effort—especially the dancers—and I know the impact will be extraordinary.”

Guests were welcomed by a musical performance from duo Drew Stolz and Priscilla Sabourin

and enjoyed a 360-degree photo booth experience courtesy of Picture Perfect NWI Photo Booth

Rentals. The show opened with a performance from the Powerhouse Senior Elite Dance Team,

CONTACT:

Dave Kasarda

Duneland Family YMCA

(219) 926-4204

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

and throughout the evening, Odd Byrd Creative captured unforgettable moments from both the

dancers and attendees. Returning volunteer judges included Jacob Lukach (Duneland School

Corporation), Maura Mundell (Duneland Chamber of Commerce), and two student judges from

Powerhouse Dance Company. Months of preparation by a dedicated volunteer

committee—made up of community members and Duneland Family YMCA staff—ensured a

seamless and inspiring evening.