One morning in 2006, I walked into my office at MENTOR Rhode Island to find a voicemail from then CEO Arlene McNulty. She was in the middle of watching an episode of Dancing with the Stars when she called excitedly to share her idea for a Dancing with the Stars themed fundraiser for MENTOR Rhode Island. Little did we know that one voicemail would evolve into a 17 year (and counting!) legacy raising nearly $1.5 million for the organization over the years. As the former CEO and a 26-year employee, I have attended every year in several different capacities — as the organizer, as the CEO, as a competitor (yikes!), and this year as a spectator from the crowd sitting with my mentor and predecessor, Arlene McNulty. Marc Mainville, a longtime employee and my “go to guy” when I was CEO, has been serving as interim since my departure in September 2023. What an incredible culmination for him at his last public event, with the newly hired permanent CEO starting just a few days later.

This was the first time I’ve ever attended the fundraiser without stress! It was wonderful to see so many people that I haven’t seen since I left. But I’m not going to lie… I was like a race horse waiting for the gate to open. I REALLY wanted to jump in to help… But clearly the team had this all under control!

What a fabulous night! There are so many people who have been instrumental in bringing this event to such an amazing level of success.  With 10 dancers performing, each one brought something special to the dance floor. The choreography, time, and passion that longtime partners from the Dancing Feeling have invested in this event since its inception is absolutely incredible! The co-hosts this year, Lite 105’s Amy Pontes and NBC10’s Mario Hilario, are my old friends at this point. Working with them over the years they have both had nearly every role possible. They’ve competed, served as judges, served as hosts, and, of course, Mario has starred in many opening numbers over the years. Deb Gormley from Washington Trust has been the event chair for 13 years now. She competed in 2010 and went on to chair the organizing committee after longtime board member, Peter Koch, asked her to lead the charge. Such a legacy! With nearly every year netting between $80,000 and up to $130,000, it’s been an amazing ride! Each star is asked to fundraise a minimum of $2,500 and this year, a 10-year fundraising record was broken. Shameem Awan from Amica Insurance raised $24,000 in 2014 and in 2024 that record was shattered by Gel Kitchen’s owner, Angelica Penta, who raised over $28,000. Wow!!! Sitting in the audience, I couldn’t help feel overwhelming gratitude and pride.

It really is all about mentoring. The relationships built between the professional dancers and the individuals (STARS!) who willingly volunteer to learn to dance, raise money, AND perform in front of hundreds of people is mentoring at its core. It’s not easy but clearly so much fun!

This fundraiser has helped build a strong foundation for the organization which, in turn, provides a strong foundation for kids through mentoring.

I can’t wait to see what the next chapter for MENTOR Rhode Island and Dancing with the Stars of Mentoring holds!

As long as the event continues, I’ll keep my low-stress seat in the audience…unless they ask me to be a judge…