Past Performances

Stuart, FL -- Fabulous footwork, glittering costumes, and enthusiastic supporters came together at the 2025 Dancing with the Martin Stars event to create a goal-smashing fundraiser for the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition.

Eight local volunteers took center stage at the Lyric Theatre on Saturday, September 20, to show their skills at dances like the waltz, the samba, and the tango. Each of them have other demanding careers within the community, but they became dancing stars for the evening. Paired with professional dance instructors, they trained for several months for the fast-paced competition to win bragging rights as top dancers, but also to raise funds for the work of the nonprofit.

More than $222,000 was raised. “For 14 wonderful years, our community has come together to support mothers, fathers and babies across Martin County,” Martin County Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich said. “The funds we raise through this fun event go directly to our vision of ensuring that in Martin County, every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved.”

Alex Pope, Development Manager for the Southeast at Shoulder Innovations and co-owner of The Scoop ice cream shop, and professional dancer Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe brought the audience to their feet with a foxtrot. The team won both the People’s Choice Award and also Top Dancing Team. The First Runner Up Dance Team was Daniel Wade and Marianella Tobar; the Second Runner Up was Fida Georges and Angel Tamayo.

Mirella Daru, an agent with RE/MAX of Stuart’s Susan Maxwell Team, and dance instructor Brian Spector were awarded Top Fundraisers. The First Runner Up Fundraising Team was Fida Georges and Angel Tamayo; the Second Runner Up Fundraising Team was Alex Pope & Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe.

Judges for the competition included Alannah Ghazal, a real estate professional and tango dancer; Charles Jones, the lead singer of the Charles Jones Trio and operator of Cdj Entertainment Inc.; and Kira Whatley, a member of StarStruck Academy and Theatre and a teacher of the performing arts. Father Christian Anderson from St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and last year’s overall winner for dancing and fundraising, emceed the evening.

“We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to this amazing event,” Suffich said. She reminded the packed house that for the first time in generations, there is no longer a local labor and delivery unit in Martin County. “Through our fundraising, we are planning to return these vital services at the Treasure Coast Maternity Center, a community-based birthing center. We welcome the support to make this vision a reality.”

 The Martin County Healthy Start Coalition expressed its thanks to all of its sponsors and supporters, in particular RE/MAX of Stuart - Susan Maxwell Team, Rommel Wilson Memorial Fund, Inc., Gordana Uscumlic Foundation, Diana Soriano Risk Strategies | Gehring Group, and Circle 6 Consulting.

For more information and event photos, visit https://www.mchealthystart.org/dancing-with-the-martin-stars/2025-stars-dancers/.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Fatherhood Initiative, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook. 

Stuart, Fla. – The curtain goes up on the 2025 Dancing with the Martin Stars competition on Saturday, September 20 at 7 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre, and it’s time to buy tickets.

The signature fundraising event for the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is always a sell-out event because of the high energy, amazing dance moves, and fierce competition among the contestants.

“It’s breathtaking to see the quality of the dancing,” said Samantha Suffich, CEO of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, “and absolutely heart-warming to see the intensity of the contestants to meet their fundraising goals to support our work. They are deeply committed to our vision of a community where every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved.”

The 2025 Dancing Stars include:

• June-Luciano Cohen, Master Personal Trainer with Topper Fitness
• Mirella Daru, Realtor with Re/Max of Stuart
• Fida Georges, On Camera Talent/ Former Broadcaster
• Spaz McGoorty, Comedic Personality
• Danny Mikels, Division Chief at St. Lucie County Fire District
• Alex Pope, Owner, The Scoop Ice Cream Shop
• Lisa Tunon, Paralegal with Zweben Law Group
• Daniel Wade, Broker/Owner Century 21 Move with Us

Dancers will be judged on their performances and will also earn points for the funds they raise in the quest to become the 2025 Champion.

“This event is always great fun for everyone involved,” said Suffich, “but it’s more critically important than ever that we raise funds to support our work.” Suffich noted the additional strain on expectant mothers since the nearest labor and delivery hospital unit closed this spring. “Every day we work with pregnant women who are concerned about where they are going to deliver their babies,” Suffich said.

In response, the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is working to create the Treasure Coast Maternity Center, a community-based birthing center in Martin County. “The funds our dancers raise will support our ongoing prenatal programs, including our MOM Mobile that takes prenatal care into vulnerable neighborhoods. They will also help us launch the campaign for the Treasure Coast Maternity Center,” Suffich said.

Sponsors this year include Re/Max of Stuart - Susan Maxwell Team, Rommel Wilson Memorial Fund, Inc., Gordana Uscumlic Foundation, Diana Soriano Risk Strategies | Gehring Group and Nathan Sprague.

Tickets are on sale now at $125 each, and they are going fast. To reserve a ticket, go to the Lyric Theatre’s website,  https://www.lyrictheatre.com/show/11644-dancing-with-the-martin-stars. There’s still time to support a dancer. Make donations at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/DWMS25.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Fatherhood Initiative, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook. 

Stuart, Fla. – Eight generous and courageous community members from all walks of life are lacing up their dancing shoes for the fierce competition of the 2025 Dancing with the Martin Stars on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Lyric Theatre.

Paired with professional dancers, they will cha-cha, rumba, tap, waltz and samba to raise funds for the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its vision of every baby born healthy, every mother supported, and every father involved.

The 2025 Dancing Stars include: 

• June-Luciano Cohen, Master Personal Trainer with Topper Fitness
• Mirella Daru, Realtor with Re/Max of Stuart
• Fida Georges, On Camera Talent/ Former Broadcaster
• Spaz McGoorty, Comedic Personality
• Danny Mikels, Division Chief at St. Lucie County Fire District
• Alex Pope, Owner The Scoop Ice Cream Shop
• Lisa Tunon, Paralegal with Zweben Law Group
• Daniel Wade, Broker/Owner Century 21 Move with Us

Dancers will be judged on their performances and will also earn points for the funds they raise in the quest to become the 2025 Champion. Last year’s event raised more than $340,000, and this year’s dancers are determined to beat that goal.

“This event is always great fun for everyone involved,” said Martin County Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich, “but it’s more critically important than ever that we raise funds to support our work.”

Suffich noted the additional strain on expectant mothers since the nearest labor and delivery hospital unit closed this spring. “Every day we work with pregnant women who are concerned about where they are going to deliver their babies,” Suffich said.

In response, the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is working to create the Treasure Coast Maternity Center, a community-based birthing center in Martin County. “The funds our dancers raise will support our ongoing prenatal programs, including our MOM Mobile: Maternity on the Move that takes prenatal care into vulnerable neighborhoods. They will also help us launch the campaign for the Treasure Coast Maternity Center,” Suffich said.

The title sponsorship has already been claimed by Star Dance Mirella Daru. Additional sponsorship opportunities from $600 to $15,000 are still available at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/DWMS25. “Fair warning - last year the response was so tremendous that we sold out the Lyric with sponsor tickets alone long before the September event!” Suffich said.

To support individual dancers in their quest for the championship, go to https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/DWMS25 and watch for updates at mchealthystart.org or on Facebook.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Stuart, FL -- Dancing with the Martin Stars 2024 broke all records this September for massive attendance, sky-high fundraising, and wall-shaking energy levels in support of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition.

On Saturday, September 21, nine community volunteers and their professional dancing partners took to the stage of the Lyric Theatre in Stuart and brought the audience to their feet with applause for dances like the tango, waltz, and cha-cha. Because the event was a sell-out long before the date, another huge crowd cheered on the dancers at a live-stream watch party at Ross Hall in the Pittenger Center on the campus of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

An astonishing $350,000 was raised by the dancers, sponsors and ticket sales. “We’re so grateful to all of our dancers, sponsors and supporters,” Martin County Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich said. “The funds we raise through this fun event go directly to our mission of ensuring that in Martin County, every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved.”

This year’s Martin Stars lineup included Christian Anderson, dancing with local professional Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe; Casey Caplan with Brian Spector; Lorna Day with Angel R. Tamayo III; Matthew Durbin with Emily Matos; Jonathan Garich with Tanya Chaves; Stephanie Martinez with Michael Chaves; April Milner with Eliseo Ruiz; Matthew Right with Eva B. Velez and directed by Marianella Tobar; and Sue Whittington with Jang Don.

For months the dancers learned their steps and chose fabulous costumes. That was only part of the challenge, however. They also raised funds with a variety of mini events like dinners, wine tastings, and auctions to boost their fundraising totals.

The dancers’ goals were to dazzle the judges with their footwork and also raise the most money. In a fiercely competitive battle, Christian Anderson and Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe were declared the 2024 Overall Champions as Top Fundraising Team and Top Dancing Team. The First Runner Up Dance Team was April Milner and Eliseo Ruiz; the Second Runner Up was Casey Caplan and Brian Spector. The First Runner Up Fundraising Team was Sue Whittington and Jang Don; the Second Runner Up Fundraising Team was Lorna Day and Angel Tamayo. In the first ever live voting, Sue Whittington and Jang Don won the People’s Choice Award.

Faith Jacobsen, dance teacher at Exquisite Dance Company and sales manager for the AI Fitness tech company Oxefit; Craig Glavin, manager of Astra Dance Studio and a two-time winner of Dancing with the Martin Stars as a teacher and once as a coach; and Chris Thiel, a top performing realtor with RE/MAX and a former dance teacher and competitive ballroom dancer served as Judges. Charles Jones of CDJ Entertainment served as emcee at the Lyric, with Dr. Ed Savage emceeing the live feed at Ross Hall.

“We’re so grateful for the entire community who support us each year,” Suffich said. “From our local celebrities who danced their hearts out on stage and raised funds off stage, to the audience that filled the Lyric to capacity, everyone brought their passion for both the event and the cause it supports.”

The Martin County Healthy Start Coalition expressed its thanks to all of its sponsors and supporters, in particular Title Sponsor Mark R. Kaiser Dermatology; Samba Sponsors Women’s Health Specialists and Rommel Wilson Memorial Fund; and Tango Sponsors Ooo La La, Muscle Vodka, and the Lichtenberger Foundation.

For more information and event photos, visit https://www.mchealthystart.org/dancing-with-the-martin-stars/2024-stars-dancers/.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families, particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Stuart, FL - Competition among the 2024 Dancing with the Martin Stars contestants is hotter than the weather. Nine professional dancers are teaching their volunteer partners the intricate steps of the waltz, cha-cha, foxtrot and tango in preparation for the big showdown on Saturday, September 21. 

Dancing with the Martin Stars is the popular signature event of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition. Held annually at the Lyric Theatre in Stuart, this year’s competition has already sold out.  

“We’re so grateful to all of our dancers, sponsors and supporters,” Martin County Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich said. “The funds we raise through this fun event go directly to our mission of ensuring that in Martin County, every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved.” 

Because of the huge number of people who want to attend the competition, Martin County Healthy Start Coalition has added a Livestream Watch Party. Guests will be able to see the entire competition livestreamed into the Ross Hall at the Pittenger Center on the campus of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Stuart. Tickets to the Watch Party, which include food and a drink ticket, are available at https://www.mchealthystart.org/dancing-with-the-martin-stars/2024-stars-dancers/?. Space is limited.  

This year’s Martin Stars lineup includes Christian Anderson, dancing with local professional Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe; Casey Caplan, with Brian Spector; Lorna Day, with Angel R. Tamayo III; Matthew Durbin, with Emily Matos; Jonathan Garich, with Tanya Chaves; Stephanie Martinez, with Michael Chaves; April Milner, with Eliseo Ruiz; Matthew Right, with Eva B. Velez and directed by Marianella Tobar; and Sue Whittington, with Jang Don. 

For months the dancers have been learning their steps and choosing fabulous costumes. That’s only part of the challenge, however. They have also been raising funds with a variety of mini events like dinners, wine tastings, and auctions to boost their fundraising totals. 

The goal for this year’s event is $280,000. “The dancers have just blown us away with their passion and enthusiasm,” Suffich said. “We truly believe that they’re going to reach the goal and exceed it.” 

For more information, visit https://www.mchealthystart.org/dancing-with-the-martin-stars/2024-stars-dancers/. 

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families, particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Stuart, Fla. - With a burst of silver confetti, the 2024 Dancing with the Martin Stars contestants discovered on May 16 which local professional dancers will be their partners for this year’s dancing competition on September 21 to benefit the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition.

Nine volunteers from all walks of life have signed on to the challenge to dance like a star in a professionally choreographed performance, plus raise funds from supporters eager to cheer them on.

“If you’ve ever had to dance in front of a crowd that came with high expectations,” Martin County Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich said, “you know the courage and determination it takes. We’re so grateful that our 2024 Martin Stars are willing to take the stage to help in our mission to ensure that every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved.”

This year’s Martin Stars lineup includes Christian Anderson, dancing with local professional Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe; Casey Caplan, with Brian Spector; Lorna Day, with Angel R. Tamayo III; Matthew Durban, with Emily Matos; Jonathan Garich, with Tanya Chaves; Stephanie Martinez, with Michael Chaves; April Milner, with Bob Murray; Matthew Right, with Marianella Tobar; and Sue Whittington, with Jang Don.

Will it be a waltz, a cha-cha, a tango, or a foxtrot that takes them to victory? The answers will be revealed on September 21 at 7 pm at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Stuart.

Dancers will be judged on their performance and will also earn points for the funds they’ve raised in the quest to become the 2024 Champion. Last year’s event raised more than $200,000 for the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition mission. This year’s contestants are determined to beat that amount.

“If you have a favorite dancer, or just want to support the work of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition,” Suffich says, “we encourage you to give them a vote of confidence on our website and to join us at the event in September. And just a word of warning, it always sells out!”

Sponsorships ranging from $600 to $20,000 are still available. For more information, visit https://www.mchealthystart.org/dancing-with-the-martin-stars/2024-stars-dancers/. Ticket sales begin in August.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Driving rhythms, fast-paced footwork, and sky-high enthusiasm enthralled the audience at the 2023 Dancing with the Martin Stars, the signature fundraising event of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition.

Healthy Start, which offers support and education to pregnant women and infants, celebrated its 12th anniversary of the popular event on September 23 at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Stuart.

The sellout event was a resounding success, raising more than $200,000 to support essential programs in Martin County that help ensure every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved.

The format for the evening included a dynamic, local cast of nine Martin County “celebrities,” each paired with a professional dance instructor. These brave, novice dancers not only put their best foot forward to shine on the dance floor, but were also tasked with raising funds from friends, neighbors and business colleagues through sponsorships, ticket sales and contributions.

The goal was to win enough votes from a judges’ panel to claim bragging rights as the Dancing with the Martin Stars Champion 2023.

Dr. Brian Moriarty, owner and president of Loving Chiropractic of Stuart; Megan Acosta, former ballroom dancer and instructor turned realtor for Brokers Choice Realty; and Dmitriy Kuzmenko, owner and professional ballroom instructor at In Motion Ballroom served as Judges. Mike Gonzalez, a 2018 Star Alumni, emceed the event for the third year in a row.

Carol Briseno of Martin County Parks & Recreation and her dancing partner Jang Don walked away with top honors and the coveted trophy for highest combined scores in both dancing and fundraising.

In addition to Carol and Jang, these dancers also brought the audience to a pitch of enthusiasm: Noel Thomas, CEO of Zero Trafficking, paired with Cheri Shanti Garcia; Joan Goodrich, Executive Director of the Martin County Business Development Board, paired with Craig Galvin; Jacilyn Mikels, Director of Aesthetics at JeuneNu Aesthetic with Women’s Health Specialists, paired with Michael Chaves; Nikki Leserra, Creative Director at Sky is the Limit Events and Marketing, paired with Brian Spector; Tony George, Elder Law attorney, paired with Marianella Tobar; Monique Robbins of Pretty Little Cupcakes, paired with Yusell Garcia; Dr. Kurt Barnhill, Precision Chiropractic & Rehab, paired with Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe; and Dr. Edward Savage, Cardiothoracic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic, paired with Tanya Chaves.

There were several award winners in a variety of categories: Overall Champions Carol and Jang, who were also the Top Fundraising Team and Top Dancing Team;  First Runner-Up Dance Team and First Runner-Up Fundraising Team Jacilyn & Michael; Second Runner-Up Fundraising Team Tony & Marianella.

 “We’re so grateful for the entire community who support us each year,” Healthy Start CEO Samantha Suffich said. “From our local celebrities who danced their hearts out on stage and raised funds off stage to the audience that filled the Lyric to capacity, everyone brought their passion for both the event and the cause it supports.”

The evening’s sponsors included: Casco Companies, Inc., HOG Technologies, JeuneNu Aesthetic Beauty & Laser Center, Premier Air & Private Jets, Loving Chiropractic of Stuart, Inc., Ashley Capital, FPL- Florida Power & Light, Zen Den Infusion Lounge, The Gordana Uscumlic Foundation, Women’s Health Specialists, Owen Insurance Group, Madoli Marketing, Coastal Detox, and Sunshine Land Design.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families , particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

If Len Goodman, one of the judges from the popular Dancing with the Stars television series, had attended Martin County Healthy Start Coalition’s local Dancing with the Martin Stars event he surely would have given it a 10 out of 10!

Healthy Start, which offers support and education to pregnant women and infants, hosted their signature fundraising event on September 24 at the Lyric Theatre.

The event was a resounding success, raising over $200,000. Thanks to the hard work of all the dancers and their supporters, these funds will go towards essential programs in Martin County that help ensure every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved.

The format for the evening included a dynamic, local cast of nine Martin County “celebrities,” each paired with a professional dance instructor. These brave, novice dancers not only put their best foot forward to shine on the dance floor, but were also tasked with raising funds from friends, neighbors and business colleagues through sponsorships, ticket sales and contributions. The goal was to win enough votes from a judges’ panel to claim bragging rights of Dancing with the Martin Stars Champion.

Each team chose their music and dance styles, including combinations of Swing, Rumba, Paso Doble, Salsa, Cha Cha, Bolero, Argentine Tango, Desert Dance, and Musical Theater Jazz.

The show was a sellout! Attendees filled over 500 seats in the Lyric, 50 viewers livestreamed the event, and a private showing at Hudson’s on the River, a restaurant in Downtown Stuart, also reached full capacity.

Guests were treated to an energized evening of entertainment that opened with a high-powered dance routine by Marianella Tobar's Latin Addiction Formation Dance Team, followed by a video vignette of each team and the star dancers.

Mike Gonzalez, a 2018 Star Alumni, emceed the evening with his usual enthusiasm, style and humor for the second year in a row, and fourth year involved in the event.

Samantha Suffich, chief executive officer of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, and Steve Swindler, board president, welcomed the audience and shared the mission and programs of the nonprofit.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Aubrey Campbell, Martin County Healthy Start’s director of operations, worked with Toni Ryll of Team Holland and Jennifer Yormak of Starstruck to produce a seamless event from start to finish.

After intermission, and before the winners were announced, world-class professional dancers Andrea & Dmitriy Kuzmenko wowed the audience by dancing a smooth cha-cha.

There were several award winners in a variety of categories:

• First Runner-Up Dance Team: Jessica Alvarez and Michael Chaves, with a score of 29.
• First Runner-Up Fundraising Team: Rio Ratermanis and Marianella Tobar, raising $27,234.
• Top Dancing Team: Natalie Desmangles and Brian Spector, with a perfect score of 30.
• Top Fundraising Team: Donna DeMarchi and Bob Murray, raising $38,131.
• Overall Champion Team: Natalie Desmangles and Brian Spector.

“There was a tremendous amount of energy in the theater, and it was clear the audience was having a great time watching their favorite local stars dancing their hearts out for a great cause,” said Suffich. “Thanks to everyone’s contributions, we will better be able to fund and service Martin County families with the important programs our coalition offers.”

Participating Dancers:

• Kasia D’Auria, Realtor with Re/Max of Stuart, paired with Jang Don
• Donna DeMarchi, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney with the Eberst Law Firm, paired with Bob Murray
• Jane Hallick, President of Jane’s Dane Boutique, paired with Craig Galvin
• Jessica Alvarez, Founder of Velo Med Spa, paired with Michael Chaves
• Natalie Desmangles, Assistant Branch Manager with SouthState Bank, paired with Brian Spector
• Rio Ratermanis, Clinical Educator with HCA Center for Clinical Advancement St. Lucie Hospital, paired with Marianella Tobar
• Dr. Noor Yono, Premier Neurology, paired with Leah Landau
• Tyler Raynes, SLC Commercial Real Estate, paired with Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe
• Dr. Rabih Kashouty, Neurostrive, paired with Tanya Chaves

Judges:

• Dr. Brian Moriarty, owner and president of Loving Chiropractic of Stuart
• Charles Jones, lead singer of the Jazz R & B Unit, The Charles Jones Trio and owner of CDJ Entertainment
• Andrea Kuzmen, owner and professional ballroom instructor at In Motion Ballroom

Sponsors:

• $10,000.00    The Eberst Law Firm - Car Accident Attorneys
• $7,500.00      Hudson’s on the River
• $5,000.00      Casco Tools, Inc.
• $5,000.00      Chris & Donna Follmer
• $2,625.00      Ashley Capital
• $2,550.00      SouthState Bank
• $2,500.00      Loving Chiropractic of Stuart, Inc.
• $2,500.00      Neurostrive Hydration and Med Spa
• $2,500.00      Premier Neurology and Wellness center
• $2,500.00      The Gordana Uscumlic Foundation

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families , particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Stuart, Fla. - The curtain goes up on the 2022 edition of Martin County’s Dancing with the Martin Stars at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 24 at the Lyric Theatre in Stuart.

Tangos, tap dances, sambas and waltzes will take center stage in support of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its mission to ensure that every baby in our community is born healthy and every mother receives support.

The premise of Dancing with the Martin Stars is simple but challenging: local volunteers learn dance steps from area professionals, raise funds from friends and neighbors, and then vie for the judges’ votes to claim bragging rights.

“Dancing with the Martin Stars is always a fun  event,” says Healthy Start CEO Samantha Suffich. “The purpose, though, is very serious. The funds our volunteers raise help us with our many programs that provide prenatal care to expectant mothers and then follow through to be sure that babies are born healthy and receive the services the family needs for a successful future.”

This year’s contestants include: Kasia D’Auria, Realtor with Re/Max of Stuart, paired with professional dancer Jang Don; Donna DeMarchi, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney with the Eberst Law Firm, with Bob Murray; Jane Hallick, President of Jane’s Dane Boutique, with Craig Galvin; Jessica Alvarez, Founder of Velo Med Spa, with Michael Chaves; Natalie Desmangles, Assistant Branch Manager with SouthState Bank, with Brian Spector; Rio Ratermanis, Clinical Educator with HCA Center for Clinical Advancement St. Lucie Hospital, with Marianella Tobar; Dr. Noor Yono, Premier Neurology, with Leah Landau; Tyler Rayes, SLC Commercial Real Estate, with Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe; and Dr. Rabih Kashouty, Neurostrive, with Tanya Chaves.

The dancers are actively raising funds in advance of the event. Community members can support a favorite dancer through the Healthy Start website, www.mchealthystart.com. Tickets to the event are available through the Lyric Theatre box office, www.lyrictheatre.com.

The dancers are actively raising funds in advance of the event. Community members can support a favorite dancer through the Healthy Start website, www.mchealthystaA Sponsors Only cocktail party will be held before the dance competition begins. The Eberst Law Firm is the evening’s title sponsor and encourages individuals and organizations to join them at sponsorship levels ranging from $500 to $10,000.rt.com. Tickets to the event are available through the Lyric Theatre box office, www.lyrictheatre.com.

For more information, visit www.mchealthystart.org or call 772-463-2888.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families , particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.