by Maria Verplank, New Beginnings
As the Marketing Coordinator for New Beginnings, I had the honor of witnessing a truly extraordinary evening during our 14th Annual ‘Dancing Under the Stars’ gala. It was a celebration of community spirit, resilience, and generosity, raising over $100,000 to support families facing homelessness.
The gala, held at the Clermont Performing Arts Center, was nothing short of magical. Nearly 500 guests filled the venue, dressed in their finest, ready to contribute to a cause that brings hope to so many. The atmosphere was electric as guitarist Dan Parker and the exceptionally talented Daniela Garzón, a 15-year-old musician from Colombia, graced us with unforgettable performances. Daniela’s combination of piano, violin, and heartfelt vocals left the audience spellbound. For the first time, we introduced a dedicated dance floor, which quickly became a highlight of the evening.
One of the most thrilling moments was the dance competition, where local leaders stepped out of their comfort zones to support our mission. Watching participants like Teresa Harper, Chief David Ezell, Donna Kirtland, J. Brian Miles, Sharon Keeble, Jim Hernandez, Roshni Gradus, and Nancy Wilkins showcase their moves was inspiring. Their passion and commitment shone as brightly as the glitter ball trophy awarded to our top performers: Teresa Harper, Roshni Gradus, and J. Brian Miles. The People’s Choice award, determined by audience votes, saw Teresa Harper winning first place, with Donna Kirtland and Jim Hernandez taking second and third.
The evening wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our incredible sponsors. The Harper Foundation continued its legacy as our Presenting Sponsor for the ninth consecutive year, alongside generous contributions from United Healthcare, PNC Bank, and AdventHealth. A heartfelt thank you goes to Carrabba’s for their catering, Amber Upshaw for her beautiful decorations, and South Lake TV for capturing every special moment.
Reflecting on the night, I was deeply moved by the sense of unity and purpose in the room. As Jeremy Elliott, our Community Relations Manager, so perfectly put it: “This event demonstrated how a community can come together to create life-changing opportunities.”
The funds raised during the gala will directly support our Homeless Diversion Program, the Hand Up Program, and the completion of New Beginnings Village. These initiatives are essential to providing families with the resources and support they need to achieve stability and independence.
This experience reminded me of why I joined New Beginnings. Seeing the community come together with such enthusiasm and compassion is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for a common goal.
If you feel inspired to make a difference, consider joining our mission. Monthly contributions are vital to sustaining our programs and ensuring that every family has the opportunity to build a brighter future.
New Beginnings of Central Florida is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to empowering individuals to live self-sufficient and responsible lives. For more information, visit www.nbcfl.org or call (352) 404-6946.
