Local Dancing with the Stars raises $75K

The 2023 First Coast Dancing with the Stars event raised more than $75,000 to support the free concerts and educational programming of the Beaches Fine Arts Series.

The event was held Sept. 16 at WJCT Studios.

The eight participating teams included:

Winners

• champion, Clarissa Walker Chandler and pro Allan Alday of Dance Alday
• first runner up, Pat Gillum Sams and pro Sean Anthony of Studio 904
• second runner up Mark Marcoux and Ekaterina Derevleva of Ballroom Dance Academy.

Other teams

Jessica Ring and Tony Kantin of Seaside Ballroom

Aurica Duca and Christian Marcantonio of Allure Dance Experience

Paul Saville and Johnetta Wise of Wise Footwork

Brittany Molina Moore and Jeremy Jose of Monarch Ballroom

Cyndy Tomassetti and Chris Thomas of Monarch Ballroom.

A special performance by professional Tony Kantin and his professional partner Olivia Card ended the gala with their routine that received fourth place in the Professional World Cabaret Division of the United States Dance Championships the week prior to the BFAS event.

The event is made possible by many in-kind donations. Orsay is the VIP party host. The eight restaurants for the gala buffet included Medure Brothers; SoNapa Grille; True Foods Kitchen; Mandola’s; Dawn to Dusk Catering; Seasons 52; TacoLu; and Hamburger Mary’s.

Southern Glazers provided drinks.

Scott Blake was the official gala photographer.