The post Dancing with Stars for Charity returns Saturday in Warsaw appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Get ready for a dazzling night of dance, entertainment, and community support — the much-anticipated Dancing with the Stars for Charity night is returning to Warsaw and tickets are now available for purchase.

The event, set to take place on Saturday, March 29, at 7 p.m. at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center, promises to be a spectacular evening of glitz, glamour, and philanthropy.

Organized in collaboration with Kensington Digital Media, this one-night-only gala will feature an exciting mix of local celebrities and talented student choreographers, all coming together to support ten incredible local charities.

Tickets are available at www.warsawschools.org/pac, starting at just $15. With each ticket purchase, attendees will be supporting not only an evening of top-notch entertainment, but also local organizations that make a difference in the Kosciusko County community.

This year’s event will showcase an impressive lineup of 20 local celebrities from Kosciusko County, paired with student choreographers from the WCHS Dance Department. These dance teams will compete in high-energy performances, demonstrating impressive skills, stunning costumes, and a commitment to raising funds for their chosen charitable causes.

Each of the 10 dance teams has chosen a charity to advocate for, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the competition. As the teams vie for the coveted mirrorball trophy, they are not only showcasing their dance moves but also shining a spotlight on the essential work being done by these organizations.

The teams for the 2025 event are:

Team #1:

• WCS: Tim Devlin

• Community: Crystal Watters

• Choreographers: Courtney Brower and Dakota Gardner

• Dancing for: Fellowship Missions

Team #2:

• WCS: Lauren Sponseller

• Community: Scotty Rocker

• Choreographers: Ella Gonzalez and Amber Whitaker

• Dancing for: Food Bank of Northern Indiana

Team #3:

• WCS: Kelly Bradley

• Community: Nathan Underneath

• Choreographers: Victoria Peloza and Shannon Smith

• Dancing for: Project Ebeneezer

Team #4:

• WCS: Megan Davis

• Community: Scott Clay

• Choreographers: Kaelyn Stoffel and Zariya Buchan

• Dancing for: Kosciusko Senior Services

Team #5:

• WCS: Leo Patino

• Community: Courtney Brown

• Choreographers: Chloe Kim and Scarlett Walters

• Dancing for: Fear is a Liar Ministries

Team #6:

• WCS: Griffin Heckaman

• Community: Karris Sigler Nissley

• Choreographers: Malori McDaniels and Kayanna Secrest

• Dancing for: Giving Basics

Team #7:

• WCS: Joel Duran

• Community: April Slone

• Choreographers: Maddy Hart and Izzy Rozelle

• Dancing for: Boomerang Backpacks

Team #8:

• WCS: Erin Leinbach

• Community: Nash Christiansen

• Choreographers: Lily Kincaid and Kenzie Langhorn

• Dancing for: Giant Paw Prints Rescue

Team #9:

• WCS: Donna Moudy

• Community: Keaton Anderson

• Choreographers: Lexi Reece and Bella Boley

• Dancing for: My Team Triumph

Team #10:

• Community: Leo Jones

• Community: Quentin Slothour

• Choreographers: Jazmyn Taylor and Kaylee Baker

• Dancing for: Habitat for Humanity

The event will shine a light on the importance of community involvement and support. With 100% of the ticket sales going to benefit these local charities, Dancing with the Stars for Charity is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need across Kosciusko County.

We encourage you to purchase your tickets early, as this event is expected to sell out quickly. Whether you're supporting a favorite team, enjoying the entertainment, or contributing to a meaningful cause, this will be a night to remember.

Join us for an evening where dance meets philanthropy, and where the spirit of community is on full display. Reserve your tickets today at www.warsawschools.org/pac, and get ready for an unforgettable night full of heart, hope, and high-flying fun!

Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Warsaw Performing Arts Center
Tickets: Starting at $15 – www.warsawschools.org/pac

The post Who will stand out in this year’s Dancing with the Stars for Charity? appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — The Dancing with the Stars for Charity is returning to the Warsaw Performing Arts Center on March 29 at 7 p.m.

This evening of dance and philanthropy will bring together employees from Warsaw Community Schools (WCS) and local community members to perform in support of 10 charities.

The event, now in its third year, continues to be an example of community spirit, raising nearly $25,000 in the past two events combined. For 2025, organizers have set an ambitious goal, according to a provided news release.

“We want to raise $25,000 in one night,” said Kris Lake, producer and organizer of the event. “Our goal is to exceed $50,000 in total donations, and I truly believe we can achieve that this year!”

What makes Dancing with the Stars for Charity particularly special is the transformation that takes place as individuals — many with no prior dance experience — prepare for the big night, the release states. The event provides the community an opportunity to see participants grow and develop through rehearsals while supporting causes in the process.

“This event is not just about dancing; it’s about coming together to make a difference,” Lake said.

Tickets for the event are available now and range from $14 to $30, depending on seating preference. One hundred percent of the ticket sales will be divided evenly among the featured charities, with the winning team’s charity receiving a slightly larger share. Tickets can be purchased online at www.warsawschools.org/pac or by calling the WCHS Performing Arts Center Box Office at 574-371-5040 during school hours.

This year’s event will feature 10 teams, each consisting of a WCS staff member, a community participant and two students from the Warsaw Community High School Dance Department, who will serve as choreographers.

The teams will perform to raise awareness and funds for the following charities: Fellowship Missions, Food Bank of Northern Indiana, Project Ebeneezer, Kosciusko Senior Services, Fear is a Liar Ministries, Giving Basics, Boomerang Backpacks, Giant Paw Prints Rescue, My Team Triumph and Habitat for Humanity.

“We aim to feature a diverse range of local not-for-profit organizations each year,” explained Lake. “Our only criterion is that these organizations serve a need of some kind within Kosciusko County.”

This year’s teams include:

• WCS staff member Tim Devlin and community member Crystal Watters, dancing for Fellowship Missions, with choreography by Courtney Brower and Dakota Gardner.

• WCS staff member Lauren Sponseller and Scotty Rocker, supporting the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, choreographed by Ella Gonzalez and Amber Whitaker.

• WCS employee Kelly Bradley and business owner Nathan Underneath, dancing for Project Ebeneezer, with choreography by Victoria Peloza and Shannon Smith.

• Megan Davis and Scott Clay, supporting Kosciusko Senior Services, choreographed by Kaelyn Stoffel and Zariya Buchan.

• WCS employee Leo Patino and Courtney Brown, dancing for Fear is a Liar Ministries, with choreography by Chloe Kim and Scarlett Walters.

• WCS staff member Griffin Heckaman and Karris Sigler Nissley, dancing for Giving Basics, with choreography by Malori McDaniels and Kayanna Secrest.

• Joel Duran and April Slone, supporting Boomerang Backpacks, choreographed by Maddy Hart and Izzy Rozelle.

• WCS employee Erin Leinbach and Nash Christiansen, dancing for Giant Paw Prints Rescue, with choreography by Lily Kincaid and Kenzie Langhorn.

• WCS staffer Donna Moudy and Keaton Anderson, supporting My Team Triumph, choreographed by Lexi Reece and Bella Boley.

• Leo Jones and Quentin Slothour, dancing for Habitat for Humanity, with choreography by Jazmyn Taylor and Kaylee Baker.

“We’re incredibly blessed to have such an amazing cast this year,” Lake said. “This event wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of our dancers, choreographers, and volunteers. What you’ll see on stage will truly be a miracle in motion.”

For tickets and more information, visit www.warsawschools.org/pac or contact the box office at 574-371-5040.

The post Dancing With The Stars for Charity returns with $25,000 goal appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

The post Food distributions include one near Mentone appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

SOUTH BEND -- The Food Bank of Northern Indiana has announced its food distribution plans for January including stops in Kosciusko and Marshall counties.

Anyone struggling with food insecurity is encouraged to show up at any of the locations listed below. Assorted food items are offered free of charge. All items are pre-boxed and pre-bagged.

Distributions are drive-thru. Please remain in your vehicle and open your trunk to receive items. An area will be available for self-loading if your trunk does not open.

The food is distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Thursday, Jan. 5 – St. Joseph County

• WHEN: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• WHERE: Brown Middle School, 737 Beale St., South Bend
• This distribution is sponsored by CVS and will serve 250 households.

Friday, Jan. 6 – St. Joseph County

• WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• WHERE: Liberty Elementary School, 600 Pregel Dr., Mishawaka
• This distribution is sponsored by the City of Mishawaka and will serve 300 households.

Thursday, Jan. 12 – Elkhart County

• WHEN: 10 a.m. to Noon
• WHERE: East Goshen Mennonite Church, 2019 E. Lincoln Ave., Goshen
• This distribution is sponsored by The City of Goshen and will serve 200 households.

Tuesday, Jan. 17 – Kosciusko County – Produce Distribution

• WHEN: Noon to 2 p.m.
• WHERE: God’s Highway to Heaven, 555 Weber St., Warsaw
• This distribution is sponsored by KeyBank and will serve 300 households.

Wednesday, Jan. 18 – Starke County

• WHEN: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. CT
• WHERE: Knox United Methodist Church, 201 S. Shield St., Knox
• This is a USDA distribution and will serve 250 households.

Monday, Jan. 30 – Marshall County

• WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• WHERE: Plymouth Parks, Pool Parking Lot, 1660 N. Michigan St., Plymouth
• This distribution is sponsored by Kroger and will serve 300 households.

The post Food distribution sites include Warsaw, Plymouth and Goshen appeared first on News Now Warsaw.