WARSAW — Other than doing some acrobatics on a trampoline as a kid, Ben Rice was never serious about dancing until given a chance to perform in Dancing with the Stars for Charity.

And he took full advantage of the opportunity.

With support from his partner, Hayley Horlick, two student choreographers, Lexi Reece and Kenna Miller as well as some sidework at home, Rice led their team, Totally Rad to victory Saturday night in front of nearly 900 people at the Warsaw High School Performing Arts Center as he and Horlick took the the top prize against seven other teams, scoring 59 of 60 points from judges in the fourth annual charity event.

Rice and Horlick, dressed in red workout attire, finished the show with an energized performance and finished it by throwing fake cash in the direction of three judges amid wild applause from the audience.

"It's been five months of really hard work that I wasn't expecting," Rice said. "But the choreographers took it very seriously, and they're so talented,"Rice said while standing with his wife and kids on stage afterward.

He gave plenty of credit to the choreographers.

"The program here at the school, I wasn't familiar with it, and now that I am, it's beyond belief the amount of work the girls put into it," he said.

Their first dance included a musical medley, and they finished  with the song, "24K Magic."

"I don't know if it was the song or if it was just the energy," Rice said. "That's what we tried to bring the entire time was a bunch of energy."

Each team was working to benefit a charity, and Rice — a former "Big" with Big Brothers Big Sisters years ago — was happy to assist the BBBSS of Northeast Indiana.

Each charity shared in the night's receipts from ticket sales, and BBBS received an additional $500 thanks to a donation from H&R Block of Warsaw.

Rice called the opportunity to help BBBS a "full circle" moment.

In addition to critiques from three judges, performances were also calculated based on only votes from the audience as well as a secret judge, which was a new twist this year.

Totally Rad now qualifies to return next year in a contest pitting them against other previous champs of Dancing with the Stars for Charity.

Finishing second was Felonious Fosses (benefiting Bowling Against Bullying), which was led by Shaun Mudd and Kelly Bradley. Chorographers were Chloe Kim and Scarlett Walters.

Finishing third was Vintage Vibes, led by Glenn Hall and Courtney Walters and choreographer Dakota Gardner.

Also new this year was the ‘Above and Beyond Award’ to a student choreographer, in honor of Lee Anne Stewart, a longtime dance instructor who died earlier this year.

Laicey Snyder was this year’s recipient of the award.

Dancing with the Stars for Charity was sponsored by 107.3 WRSW, Willie 103.5, Warsaw Performing Arts Center.

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WARSAW — The countdown is on.

Dancing with the Stars for Charity returns this Saturday, March 28 at 7 p.m., and organizers say this is the community’s final opportunity to secure tickets for one of the year’s most meaningful and entertaining events.

Ticket prices vary based on location in the theater, but start at just $10 for students. 100% of all ticket income goes directly to the eight charities represented by this year’s teams. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Warsaw PAC Box Office at (574) 371-5040 or by purchasing online at WarsawSchools.org/PAC.

Eight teams will take the stage after nearly 5 months of preparation, each representing a local charity and working to deliver unforgettable performances.

Producer and Host Kris Lake says the event represents the very best of the community.

“This night is about courage, compassion, and connection,” Lake said. “These dancers have committed themselves to something bigger than themselves. By attending, the audience becomes part of that story and helps make a real difference.”

The event has become a beloved tradition, drawing families, supporters, and community members together for a night of celebration and giving. Tickets to last year’s event nearly sold out.

“We started this event in 2018. It took a couple of years off and then returned two years ago. We are now in our 4th season, and we have raised nearly $75,000 for local organizations that serve Kosciusko County,” Lake said. “If we sell out this year, our community will help us cross the $100,000 threshold, and that would be absolutely amazing.”

This year’s cast features eight members from the community, including Glenn Hall, Kristi Jackson Hull, Nate Koehlinger, Bryan Kunz, Jason Miller, Shaun Mudd, Ben Rice, and Keith Sampson.

The cast also features eight staff members from Warsaw Community Schools, including Brenna Blazek, Kelly Bradley, Hayley Horlick, Macy Miller, Elliott Mozingo, Laysa Nocelotl, Leah Reinholt, and Courtney Walters.

Dance Instructor Bri Stewart says the emotional impact of the evening is undeniable.

“There’s nothing quite like this event,” Stewart said. “You see the nerves, the excitement, and ultimately the joy. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when people come together for a purpose.”

Most importantly, 100% of ticket proceeds will be split evenly among the participating charities.

“Every single seat helps change lives,” Lake added. “That’s what makes this event so extraordinary.”

Organizers encourage the public to purchase soon before the event sells out. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door, based on availability.

The post Tickets going fast for Saturday’s ‘Dancing with the Stars for Charity’ appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

News Release

WARSAW — The dance floor will shine once again as Dancing with the Stars for Charity returns for its fourth annual event at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 28.

The show begins at 7 p.m., and tickets are on sale now at WarsawSchools.org/PAC.

This beloved community tradition pairs local participants together to compete in choreographed dance routines, all while raising money for nonprofit organizations making a difference across Kosciusko County. Best of all, 100% of all ticket proceeds will be split evenly among the participating charities, ensuring every seat sold directly supports these important causes.

“This event continues to grow each year, and it’s become one of our favorite nights at the PAC,” said Kris Lake, Director of the Warsaw Performing Arts Center.

“To see our community come together, support local charities, and cheer on these brave dancers is truly special. Every ticket sold makes a real impact, and we’re so proud to host this incredible event for the fourth year in a row,” he said.

This year’s cast features eight dynamic teams ready to take the stage:

• Laysa Nocelotl & Bryan Kunz – Heartline Pregnancy Center
• Hayley Horlick & Ben Rice – Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Courtney Walters & Glenn Hall – Legacy of Blessings Adoption Foundation
• Kelly Bradley & Shaun Mudd – Bowling Against Bullying
• Macy Miller & Keith Sampson – Lost Sparrows
• Brenna Blazek & Nate Koehlinger – Pavilion Help Center
• Elliott Mozingo & Kristi Hull – Baker Youth Club
• Leah Reinholt & Jason Miller – Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Each pair will perform two show-stopping routines while championing their chosen charity. Audience members can expect high-energy performances, themed music, creative costumes, and a friendly, competitive atmosphere all in support of organizations that serve families, youth, and individuals throughout the community.

Audience members will have the chance to vote for their favorite team during the show, with trophies awarded to the top three team finishers.

Charities represented this year include Heartline Pregnancy Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Legacy of Blessings Adoption Foundation, Bowling Against Bullying, Lost Sparrows, Pavilion Help Center, Baker Youth Club, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

“This is more than just a dance competition,” Lake added. “It’s a celebration of generosity and community spirit. Knowing that every dollar from ticket sales goes directly back into these nonprofits makes the night even more meaningful.”

The event is sponsored by Kensington Digital Media, 107.3 WRSW, and Willie 103.5.

Since its debut, Dancing with the Stars for Charity has become a staple community event, combining entertainment with purpose. Organizers invite the public to come out, cheer on their favorite teams, and help raise funds for these deserving organizations.

Tickets are available now at WarsawSchools.org/PAC. Don’t miss this inspiring evening of dance, generosity, and community pride.

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