By now, you’ve probably seen the exciting news. This fall, I’ll be trading the salon for the dance floor as one of the dancers in the Duneland YMCA’s largest annual fundraising event, Dancing Like the Stars! On Friday, November 14th, I’ll join seven other members of the Duneland community at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo for an evening of entertainment, community, and fundraising. More importantly, we’ll all be coming together to support an organization that makes a lasting impact on so many lives. These funds are used to keep costs for services, classes, and memberships accessible.
If you know me, you know I’m passionate about giving back to the community. About a year and a half ago, I was invited to serve on a committee for the Duneland YMCA. Before then, I really hadn’t been all that familiar with their facility or mission. The committee was formed to help refurbish the theatre at the Healthy Living Campus, and with my longtime love of theatre, it felt like the perfect opportunity to get involved.
In doing so, I learned about the major renovation that was happening at the campus and all that is planned. The Healthy Living Campus is evolving into something truly special. It’s bringing together multiple nonprofit organizations under one roof, creating a space where individuals and families can access valuable programs, services, and resources within walking distance of downtown Chesterton. Seeing that vision come to life has been incredibly exciting.
One part of the project that especially resonates with me is the theatre. Years ago, I directed community musicals, and every production came with the challenge of finding a venue. Having a dedicated performance space available for local theatre groups, performances, music, lectures, and classes will open the door for countless opportunities that simply haven’t existed before.
Beyond the performances themselves, the theatre will create a positive impact throughout the community. Visitors attending shows can enjoy local restaurants, shops, and businesses after performances, creating new opportunities for our downtown. Even more exciting, this will be the only YMCA in the country to feature a full-size theatre, making it a truly unique destination for our region.
Being part of this project has shown me just how much the YMCA invests in strengthening our community. Every dollar raised through this event helps the Duneland YMCA keep memberships, childcare, programs, classes, and services accessible for families throughout our area. Those funds make it possible for more children, adults, and seniors to benefit from everything the YMCA has to offer, regardless of financial circumstances.
There are plenty of ways to support this year’s event. You can become a sponsor, purchase votes to support your favorite dancer, or attend the event and enjoy an unforgettable evening while helping raise funds for the YMCA. Event details can be found on the Duneland YMCA’s Dancing Like the Stars page here.
If you’d like to support my Dancing Like the Stars journey, there are several ways to get involved! Sponsorship opportunities are available, and I’d be happy to share more information. Email me, and I’ll get you all the opportunity details! You can also cast votes throughout the competition. Votes are $5.00 each, and there’s no limit to how many times you can vote.
Every vote helps support the Duneland YMCA and the incredible work they do in our community. Voting remains open through the end of the event, and I’d be so grateful for your support. You can vote for me here.
If you’re interested in making an even greater impact, there are also naming opportunities available within the new theatre. These gifts help build an endowment that will support the theatre’s future for years to come. If you’d like to learn more, I’d be happy to meet with you. You can reach me at waxitaxijeny@gmail.com to schedule a conversation.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this event and to support an organization that’s doing so much for our community. I hope you’ll join me on November 14th as we celebrate, raise funds, and continue building an even stronger future for the Duneland community. You can follow along on our Facebook and Instagram. Thank you for your support, and I hope to see you at the event!
