CASA Kane County hosts inaugural ‘Dancing with the Local Stars’ fundraiser for foster children
CASA Kane County invites the community to an evening of entertainment, inspiration, and impact at the inaugural “Dancing with the Local Stars,” taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles.
Inspired by the popular television dance competition, the event brings together some of the Fox Valley area’s most recognizable community leaders, business professionals, educators, public servants, and local personalities as they step outside their comfort zones and onto the dance floor to raise funds for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.
CASA Kane County is proud to partner with The Dance Lab, recently named Best Dance Studio and School in the 2026 Kane County Chronicle Readers’ Choice Awards. The Dance Lab’s talented instructors are generously donating their time and expertise to coach each community star, helping transform local leaders into ballroom performers while making this extraordinary event possible.
“At The Dance Lab, we believe that every step can create a brighter future,” said Dance Lab owner Brittni Thorne. “Join us on Oct. 7 at the Arcada for our ‘Dancing with the Stars’ event, where we unite the joy of dance with the mission to support children in need. Together, we can turn passion into purpose!"
Guests can expect a magical evening filled with dazzling dance performances, audience participation, friendly competition, and plenty of surprises. While our ballroom stars may be competing for the coveted Mirrorball trophy, the true winners are the children served by CASA Kane County, who benefit from the support raised throughout the evening.
"When our community steps onto the dance floor, children in foster care take a step toward hope," said Jim Di Ciaula, executive director of CASA Kane County. "Every dollar raised helps us recruit, train, and support volunteer advocates who stand beside children navigating the foster care system and ensure their voices are heard."
The local celebrity dancers include: Stefania Berton, Olympic figure skater and coach; Megan Elsberg, Parent Petroleum Inc.; Brian Knetl, Waubonsee Community College president; Nikki Nelson, St. Charles History Museum; Ron Onesti, Arcada Theatre and Onesti Entertainment; Officer Gabe Perez, Kane County Sheriff’s office; Cait Slomski, True Knack Graphics; Denise Trimble, emergency department nurse and educator; Pietro Verone, Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano; Chief Judge Robert K. Villa, Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court; and Chris Wallace, @properties.
Throughout the weeks leading up to the event, dancers are competing to raise the most funds for CASA Kane County, with community members encouraged to support their favorite participant through donations and online voting.
The event has already generated tremendous excitement, with VIP tickets selling out well in advance. General admission tickets remain available but are selling quickly.
Funds raised through “Dancing with the Local Stars” will directly support CASA Kane County’s mission of advocating for children in foster care. CASA volunteers are specially trained community members appointed by judges to serve as the voice for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, helping ensure they have the support, stability, and resources needed to thrive.
Community members can make an impact by attending the event, supporting a dancer’s fundraising efforts, or becoming an event sponsor.
Visit the event page at secure.qgiv.com/event/dwtls/ to get involved, donate, vote or attend.
CASA Kane County is a nonprofit organization committed to serving the best interests of children in foster care through the advocacy of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers. Supporting more than 600 children annually, CASA Kane County ensures every child’s voice is heard. For more information about CASA Kane County, visit casakanecounty.org.
Dancing with the Local Stars
When: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, starting with cocktail reception at 6 p.m.
Where: Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St, St. Charles