Sarah Hohman and her partner, Romney Reyes, danced their way to victory at the “Dance, Dream & Inspire” charity competition; while Chassity Vega and her partner, Jose Perez, captured the spirit of the night, leading all others on the fundraising board. All together the high-spirited event raised more than $200,000 for a local charity that serves vulnerable children and their families.
The annual gala benefits Embrace Families, Central Florida’s nonprofit lead agency overseeing foster care and other services for childhood victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment.
This year’s competition took place this month at Hard Rock Live in Orlando. As the feature event, five local business leaders partnered with professional dancers to perform a range of ballroom dance styles.
Hohman, Executive Director of Market Strategy at AdventHealth, teamed up with professional dancer Reyes to dazzle the audience with a high-energy cha-cha. They won the “Judges’ Choice” award for outstanding technical skill and creativity. Meanwhile, the audience vote for “Most Popular Couple” went to Chassity Vega, Chief Executive Officer at Greater Orlando Builders Association, and partner Jose Perez. The two raised more than $25,000 worth of spectator votes.
“While much has changed since the last time we hosted Dance, Dream & Inspire, one thing has not – and that’s how the Central Florida community rallies to support vulnerable neighbors,” said Glen Casel, President and CEO of Embrace Families. “Despite the glittering stage and performances, what shined brightest was the spirit of compassion, hope and inspiration from our powerful partners who competed this year.”
The event also featured dances from WFTV’s Joe Kepner, IPRG’s Anna Vasquez and Karma Roofing’s David Arce.
During the event, Embrace Families also presented its annual Inspiration Award to Jane Soltis, a longtime Eckerd Family Foundation executive and a catalyst for jump-starting Florida’s “Keys to Independence” program. Each year, this honor recognizes an individual or group who has made outstanding and selfless efforts to promote the welfare of Florida’s children.
