2nd annual Dancing Like the Stars

14109 South Dixie Highway,Palmetto Bay FL 33176

06 May, 2023

Description

Mark Your Calendar! Come see a surprise line-up of some of most well-known public figures from our very own Miami-Dade County community, as they strut their moves on the dance floor during our 2nd annual Dancing Like the Stars Miami "The Show Must Go On" showcase set for Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 5:30pm-9:30pm at Pinecrest Garden's Banyan Bowl, an open-air amphitheater housed under a geodesic dome. Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction at Pinecrest Gardens Cypress Café begins at 5:30PM. All proceeds from the silent auction benefits the First Responders Resiliency Foundation. 2023 Confirmed Performers: Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Div. Chief Willy William , Mobile Mike, PBA Sgt at Arms, Alex Munoz ,and MDCPS Board Member-District 9, Luisa Santos. More performers coming soon. How Dancing Like the Stars came to Exist Dancing Like the Stars Miami was established in 2022 under the artistic direction of Elizabeth Whitney and her dance instructors from Fred Astaire Studios-Pinecrest. The idea of this event came to exist when Elizabeth, who was also a former an ICU nurse, happened to have the honor of caring for a career Metro-Dade firefighter during his battle with COVID. During this time of care at the hospital, she became very close to his family and the fire department, who were all unwavering in their support. Unfortunately, the firefighter lost his life to COVID, leaving Elizabeth with the desire to help other firefighters. The idea of a fundraiser floated, which is how the birth of Dancing Like the Stars came to be. Since then, she's had the great pleasure and honor of working with members from Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403 on this remarkable event. Last year more than $ 10,000 was raised from the show and the auction. The 1st annual event was hosted at the South Dade Cultural Arts Center with a very similar format as the top rated TV show "Dancing with the Stars". In this event, contestants consisting of first responders, elected officials, and local celebrities are invited to participate as dancers. 2022 dancers included: Mayor of Cutler Bay, Tim Merbott; Alex Munoz, Willy Williams, Demi B. Cabrera, State Representative-District 114; Vance Aloupis, State Representative-District 115; Brodes Hartly, Community Health South Florida; Julio Guzman, City of Homestead Vice Mayor; Rosana Cordero-Stutz-MDPC Div. Chief and special guest Daniella Levine Cava, Miami Dade County Mayor Participating dancers are partnered with professional dance instructors and given 10-15 complimentary dance lessons and choreography to learn for the show. Professional judges are invited to score the routines and audience participation is highly encouraged, as they help the judges choose the overall winner of the show. At the finale, a beautiful trophy is awarded to the top performer on stage. Purpose of Dancing Like the Stars The First Responders Resiliency Foundation (FRRF), Metro-Dade Firefighters Local1403 , and Dade County Association of Firefighter Charities (DCAFFC), in collaboration with the Fred Astaire Dance Studios-Pinecrest, hosts its 2nd annual Dancing like the Stars to raise awareness and funds to provide services and resources for our bothers and sisters dealing with the increasing grasp of PTSD. They line up of these dedicated performers and instructors, dance to further create awareness and support the going efforts by the Resiliency Foundation to design and implement a structured and clinically sound method of aiding and preventing our first responders dealing with PTSD and other conditions. About the First Responders Resiliency Foundation The First Responders Resiliency Foundation cares for those who voluntarily sacrifice their physical and mental well-being for others. The Foundation’s aim is to be proactive in providing resources and education to improve the mind and body. We exist to make sure your call for help never goes unanswered. About Dade County Association of Firefighters Charities (DCAFFC) Every day, our local firefighters check into duty oblivious to the number of consequences they may face. Through rigorous training, they prepare for the challenges they may expect in the field and attempt to prevent these consequences from affecting them when they go home. Still, the unseen impact of unpredictable circumstances can result in long lasting damage to many of our brothers and sisters in fire service. Whether these struggles are a result of responding to an acute catastrophic event such as the Surfside collapse, the long-term impact of witnessing innumerable traumatic events, or witnessing civilian casualties, firefighters have been unable to escape the increasing grasp of PTSD. Studies indicate a stark rise in mental health amongst fire service members. It is becoming clearer that the increase is a direct result of performing their operational directives. Even with this knowledge, they willingly take such risk to protect the lives of the communities they serve. While there are budgets and policies in place intended to mitigate known dangers faced by firefighters, the unforeseen and unknown dangers continue to impair and significantly impact the lives of our firefighters in unexpected ways. Dade County Association of Fire Fighters Charities (DCAFFC) serves to provide the necessary and endless service of assisting our firefighters dealing with mental health and other underlying conditions. Unfortunately, this service comes at a cost. We rely on the generosity of others through direct donation or support of our charity fundraisers, to accomplish our goals of providing additional support to members affected. Because your presence and support is so important to us, we ask you to join us and invite family, friends, and co-workers to experience our unique and inspirational dance showcase. If you own a business and interested in on-site branding opportunities or wish to donate to firefighter charities or donate an an item, gift certificate or service for our silent auction, please email [email protected]. We thank you in advance for your time, consideration, and support! CLICK HERE for Promo Video Parking is FREE. ** Tickets are Not Transferable and Non-refundable. All proceeds from this dance event and the silent auction benefits the First Responders Resiliency Foundation.