Dancing with the Stars for Charity

The inspiration for Dancing with the Stars for Charity began long before the first couple ever stepped onto the stage at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center. Years earlier, while living in Illinois, Kris Lake participated as one of the community "stars" in a similar charity dance competition. Despite having little dance experience (outside of live theatre), he embraced the challenge, ultimately winning the competition and taking home the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy for his charity, while witnessing firsthand the incredible impact the event had on local nonprofit organizations. Although the Illinois event came to an end after just three years, the experience left a lasting impression. When Kris relocated to Indiana in late 2013, he knew he wanted to bring that same spirit of community, generosity, and friendly competition to Kosciusko County.

Turning that vision into reality didn't happen overnight. It took several years of planning, building community partnerships, and developing a format that would reflect the unique character of Kosciusko County while supporting local charities. Those efforts culminated in the inaugural Dancing with the Stars for Charity in 2018, introducing a one-of-a-kind fundraising event that combined entertainment with philanthropy. Following a brief hiatus, the event returned in 2024 with renewed energy and an even greater sense of purpose. Now entering its fifth season, Dancing with the Stars for Charity has become one of the community's signature annual events, bringing together local celebrities, dedicated dancers, generous sponsors, and hundreds of audience members, all united by a common goal: making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. What began as an unforgettable experience on a dance floor in Illinois has grown into a cherished tradition in Kosciusko County, proving that when a community comes together with a shared purpose, extraordinary things can happen.

The true measure of Dancing with the Stars for Charity isn't found in the scores or the trophies; it's found in the lives that have been impacted. Through ticket sales, contestant-led fundraising efforts, merchandise sales, corporate sponsorships, and even generous anonymous donations made outside of the event itself, our community has come together in extraordinary ways to support local nonprofit organizations. In just four seasons, Dancing with the Stars for Charity has generated nearly $95,000 for 33 local charities, providing much-needed financial support to organizations that work tirelessly to improve the lives of those throughout Kosciusko County. Every ticket purchased, every donation made, and every cheer from the audience have played a part in making that impact possible, proving that when a community rallies behind a common cause, incredible things can happen.

Organizations Impacted by Dancing with the Stars for Charity