Saturday, January 24, 2026
Get ready for rhythm, music, and excitement as the finest in St. Louis put on a spectacular show in support of Independence Center.
Sponsorships available NOW! Tickets will be available soon.
Presenting Sponsor
Join Us at
Dancing with the St. Louis Stars
**Before you complete your transaction, please note that credit card processing fees are optional but greatly appreciated, as they help cover costs for our organization.
Additionally, below the option to cover processing fees, please SKIP THE TIP to Givebutter by changing the tip percentage to “other” before finalizing your purchase.
Thank you for your support!
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
Sponsor the Event
Join us in making an impact for adults in our community living with a serious mental illness. Your sponsorship supports Independence Center’s Members by helping them find hope, purpose, and community.
Why Sponsor?
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Show your commitment to mental health in St. Louis
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Gain visibility among a dedicated network of supporters
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Make a real, local impact
How to Get Started:
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Choose your level of support
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Complete the online form above, at the button below, or contact our Development Team
Questions about sponsoring?
Email Adam Saito at dancing@independencecenter.org or call 314-880-5403.
Dancer Leaderboard
Presented by:
Claire Flanagan
Independence Center Member
$202,775
Mary Sigurdson
Philanthropist
$201,978
Sekhar Prabhakar
CEdge
$54,725
Lauren DeSantis -Then
Polsinelli Law Firm
$32,350
Kristin Tucker
TDK Technologies
$30,044
Sean Freeman
GadellNet
$22,320
Jennifer Bardot
G.R.I.T.
$17,525
Dancing Alumni
2025
Jennifer Bardot – G.R.I.T.
Lauren DeSantis-Then – Polsinelli Law Firm
Sean Freeman – GadellNet
Claire Flanagan – Independence Center
Sekhar Prabhakar – CEdge
Mary Sigurdson – Philanthropist
Kristin Tucker – TDK Technologies
2024
Sara Yang Bosco – Emerson
Matt Slater – St. Louis Cardinals
Matt Sebek – STL CITY SC
Carmen Fronczak – Friendship Village
Kelly Whittenbrink – Thompson Street Capital Partners
Gannesh Iyeerr – Independence Center
2023
Dan Guirl – GAT Finishing Systems
Nick and Tyan Ragone – Ascension
Barbara Archer – Hightower Wealth Advisors
Tyler Johns – Edward Jones
Danielle Rose – Independence Center
2022
Abbey Eilermann – Daily Disco
Kevin Travers – Premium Retail Services
Jim Turley – Ernst & Young
Gilberto Pinela – Cortex Innovation Community
George Brooks – Independence Center
2021
2020
Nancy Stoudt – Washington University
James Craven – Wells Fargo Advisors
Angelleen Peters-Lewis – Barnes Jewish Hospital
Laurie Phillips – TerraSource Global
Lynn Ann Vogel – Vogel Law Office
Chris Hampel – Independence Center
2019
Ally and Lisa Nichols – Technology Partners
Matt Bukhshtaber – CBRE
Kristin Johnson – Edward Jones
Fred Kostecki – RubinBrown
Elizabeth Mannen – Mannen Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
Lisa Rodgers – Independence Center
2018
Mark Bulanda – Emerson
Matt Geekie – Graybar
Nancy Gilbride – Centene Corporation
Lauren Herring – IMPACT Group
Dan Rothery – BJC Home Care and Community Services
Deandra Smith– Independence Center
2017
Maureen Borkowski – Ameren
Jim Brennan – McKelvey Homes
Ron Daugherty – Daugherty Business Solutions
Marcela Manjarrez Hawn – Centene Corporation
Bob Tomaso – Husch Blackwell
Sandra Van Trease – BJC Healthcare
Brittny Adams – Independence Center
2016
Todd Bastean – Bunge North America
Penny Pennington – Edward Jones
Tom O-Meara – Moneta Group
Tim Wentworth – Express Scripts
Ed Monser – Emerson
Julie Van Etten – Scottrade
Marco Mino – Independence Center
2015
Mark Trudeau – Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
Tishaura Jones – City of St. Louis
Dr. Benjamin Akande – Westminister College
Norma McGehee – Glady’s Manion Real Estate
Terri Hodges – Independence Center
2014
Sue McCollum – Major Brands Premium Beverage Distributors
Warner Baxter – Ameren
Tom Minogue– Thompson Coburn
Cynthia Mercer – Mercy
Nicole Genovese – Genovese Jewelers
David Diener – The Private Client Reserve
Sheila Young – Independence Center
2013
Joe Brinker – Bethesda
Steve Lipstein – BJC Healthcare
Laura Kathleen Planck – Fashion Designer
Suzanne Sitherwood – Spire
Mary Ann Srenco – Kranzberg Family Foundation
2012
Ron Kruszewski – Stifel
Kent Christian – Wells Fargo Advisors
Pat Whitaker – Arcturis
Ann Marr – World Wide Technology
Melanie Moon – KPLR 11
Steve Name – Independence Center
2011
Arnold Donald – Carnival Cruise Line
Claire Kellent – KMOV News 4
Craig Schnuck – Schnucks
Jim Castellano – RubinBrown
Monica Adams – Fox 2 News/KMOX Radio
Stephanie Riven – The Riven Company
Michelle Tibbs – Independence Center
2009
Dick Schul – Emerson
Vicki Newton – KMOV News 4
Kim Tucci – The Pasta House Co.
Jeanne Roberts Johnson – Armstrong Teasdale
Ann Jennings DiFranco – Community Volunteer
Tim Jacobs – Independence Center
2007
Debra Bass – St. Louis Post Dispatch
Cindy Brinkley – Centene Corporation
Becky – Queen of Carpet
McGraw Milhaven – KTRS Radio
Virginia Kerr – KMOV News 4
Jack Buck, Jr. – Cornerstone Mortgage
Ralph Butler – Ralph Butler Band
Bruce Shelton – Independence Center
Relive the Magic
Watch the full event from January 25, 2025.
SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH WITH EVERY STEP!
Dancing with the St. Louis Stars is a highly anticipated annual fundraising event that brings together local St. Louis Executives to raise funds for a noble cause. Inspired by the popular television show “Dancing with the Stars,” this event pairs notable St. Louis personalities with professional dancers to perform a choreographed dance routine in a dazzling competition.
The fundraiser features a panel of special guest judges who evaluate the performances, as well as an opportunity for the audience to vote for their favorite dancers, adding an interactive and exciting element to the evening. Attendees enjoy a glamorous night filled with entertainment, fine dining, and the chance to witness entertaining dance performances, all while contributing to a worthy cause.
Dancing with the St. Louis Stars not only showcases the vibrant talent and philanthropic spirit of the St. Louis community but also underscores the importance of coming together to support those in need. Through the collective efforts of participants, sponsors, and attendees, the event continues to make a significant impact year after year.
Independence Center is a community-based rehabilitation program for adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses in the St. Louis area, built on the Clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation.
Our mission is to provide all the services and resources a person with a serious and persistent mental illness needs, to manage their symptoms, find belonging and purpose, and gain the independence to live a healthy, quality life.
Our vision is to become a nationally recognized leader in behavioral healthcare, eradicate the stigma of mental illness, and inspire a mental healthcare movement across the nation.