The 2021 Dancing Like the Stars, Duneland Family YMCA’s signature fundraising event, was held at Blue Chip Casino Stardust Event Center on Saturday, November 13. Nearly 500 guests attended to cheer for seven local celebrities who performed a variety of dances to raise to provide critical funding that enables the Y to make an impact in the Duneland community and ensure that ALL are welcome and can participate in programs, classes, and activities that build a health spirit, mind and body for all. This year’s theme was “Prom.” Guests were encouraged to add to the fun by dressing the part in prom attire as they supported their favorite dancer.

The impressive 2021 Stars lineup included Jessica Amling, Duneland Family YMCA; Jamie Baczkowski, Trinity Displays; Vern Brown & Nikki Grass, The Chesterton Brewery; Eric Camel, Chesterton Fire Chief; Kristin Morris, Duneland School Corporation; Rachel Mullins, NorthShore Health Centers; Scott Mundell, Franciscan Health Michigan City. These community leaders sought sponsorships and popularity votes, and invited countless guests to be part of their “cheering sections” all in an effort to entertain the crowd, help others and, of course, win the competition! Each dancer was provided a series of dance lessons at local studios including DanceBizz Dance Center and Emmmie Reigel, Duneland Family YMCA Dance and Music Instructor. The performances were dazzling and the entertainment was phenomenal.

At the conclusion of the program, prizes were awarded in appreciation of the contestants’ efforts.  Judges for the evening were Calla Baily, Mike Uzelac, and Jenn Brown. Jessica Amling won the Judge’s Choice Award honoring the best performance of the evening. Scott (and Maura) Mundell was awarded with the People’s Choice Award, which was determined by the number of popularity votes received by each Star (votes were purchased for $5 each by supporters). Jamie Baczkowski won the Big Bucks Award by raising the most money for the event, bringing in over $30,000 in sponsorships and donations. Vern and Nikki Grass had the loudest cheering section and were awarded the Team Spirit award.

Sponsors for the evening included Platinum Sponsors; Trinity Displays, Chesterton Family Dental, NorthShore Health Centers, Chesterton Brewery, Precision Dental – Dr. Balon, Jim Lindsay Trout.Gold Sponsors; Franciscan Health, Silvert Orthodontics, The Fowlers, NIPSCO. Silver Sponsors; Dental Arts Group, Precision Control Systems, Chesterton Feed and Garden, Paul Boyter – McColley Real Estate, Camel Property Group, Corey Hecht – Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Bronze Sponsors; Chesterton Choral Boosters, David’s Lawn Care, RV Sutton Exevating, McGinnis Pub, 1st Source, Eric & Sarah Camel, Ennis Builders. Supporting Sponsors; Local 4600 Firefighters, Chesterton Volunteer Firefighters, Paris House of Bridal, Bosovich Wellness, 219 Taproom, Nabell Media, Dance Bizz Dance Studio, Dean’s Tire & Auto.

The Duneland Family YMCA has been serving the Duneland Communities for 52 years focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y is open 7 days a week. For more information on Y programs, services and membership, visit us online at www.dunelandymca.org, call (219) 926-4204 or visit the & at 215 Roosevelt St. in Chesterton. The Y. Always Here for Our Communities.