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Dancing with the St. Louis Stars

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.

Meet Me at the Ritz-Carlton

Historically held at the Ritz-Carlton the event is an elegant, entertaining and engaging night uniting our members, donors, and leaders of St. Louis business.

Days until Dancing with the St. Louis Stars 2025

Days
Hours
Minutes
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Dancing Alumni

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
Jim Brennan – McKelvey Homes
 
Champion on Champions
Special thanks to all of the returning dancers who participated, making 2021 tremendously successful.

 

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

Carmen Jacob – Nextgen, Information Services, Inc.

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