Cornerstone hosted the 14th annual Dancing with the Local Stars event on February 2, 2024, and we couldn’t be more thankful for all the support we received!

This year’s theme was 80’s Flashback. It was the first year that our event has had an official theme! People from around the community came to celebrate a night of fun, dancing, and awareness for affordable mental health services. The event featured nine duos, each dancing their hearts out to classic 80’s hits (including a surprise 1880’s routine). A special guest team also danced to wrap up a night of incredible performances.

The Nine Duos that Participated Include:

  • Amy Hendrian & Kasey Gerding (Coached by Jen Foust)
  • Brenna Phillips & Scott Phillips (Choreographed by Brenna Phillips)
  • Mary & Derek Byquist (Coached by Jill Schuckman)
  • Whitney Stanford & Mark Hespen (Coached by Lindsey Stroot)
  • Connie & T. Heberlein (Coached by Nathan Rose)
  • Emily Watkins & Norm Ellerbrock (Coached by Jill Schuckman)
  • Brianna & Ray Rivera (Coached by Tiffany Frese & Jen McCaughey)
  • Angie Gooding & Becky Koetters (Coached by Tiffany Frese & Jen McCaughey)
  • Julie Phelan & Jim Molidor (Coached by Lily Davis Fleer)
  • Special Performers: April Hawkins & Andrea Heiden (Choreographed by Andrea Heiden)

Our audience was transported back in time as each dancer took the stage. From flashy footwork to rockin’ out moves, the local stars showcased their talent and enthusiasm to a cheering crowd.

After all teams had completed their routines, our panel of local celebrity judges – Kathy Burnett, Holly Cain, and Sarah Barry & Anthony Oliver (2023 People’s Choice Winners) – tallied their scores to help determine the 2024 Dancing with the Local Stars winning duo. Votes and donations from the audience also contributed to the overall winning teams. After a moment of delegation, the winners were announced.

Photo of Scott Phillips and Brenna Phillips
Dancing with Local Stars Champions: Scott Phillips & Brenna Phillips

Photo of Jim Molidor and Julie Phelan

People’s Choice Winners: Jim Molidor & Julie Phelan

Humanitarians of the Year Award

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Humanitarians of the Year Award to the Schell Family for their Be Like Grace movement. The Be Like Grace Foundation was organized by the Schell family after their daughter, Grace, tragically passed away in an ATV accident.

Holly, Dustin, Emma, Sophia, and Elijah are all involved in the foundation and keeping the spirit of Grace and her kindness alive. The dedication of the Schell family to moving forward while honoring Grace is truly remarkable. Their alignment with Cornerstone’s mission of providing skills, support, and hope for effective and fulfilling lives emphasizes the importance of their work in helping families navigate through tragedies and find light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you to our Supporters

The evening was made possible by many dedicated and talented people, all working together and all committed to creating a better community.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our DWLS committee, sponsors, donors, coaches, dancers, volunteers, and judges for making this event possible. Thank you for generously donating your time and resources to support our cause. Your dedication and commitment to raising awareness and promoting affordable mental health services are truly appreciated. We couldn’t do it without you.

The Following Sponsors Helped Make the 2024 Dancing with Local Stars Event Possible:

Sizzling Salsa Sponsorship

Townsquare Media
Vervocity
WTAD: AM 930
Pichi Creative

Tango Sponsorship

BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois
Clarity Healthcare
Quincy Medical Group
Quincy Recycle
Landmarx
Blessing Health System
Kunes Honda
United Community Credit Union

Foxtrot Sponsorship

V&R Professional Tax Service

Waltz Sponsorship

Schmiedeskamp Robertson Neu & Mitchell LLP Lawyers
Kohl Wholesale
Poage Auto Plaza
Bower & Associates Inc.
Priority One

We are thrilled that Dancing with Local Stars: 80’s Flashback was a huge success, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. We look forward to continuing our mission to provide affordable mental health services in the Quincy community and hope to see you at our next Dancing with the Local Stars event on February 7, 2025. Thank you again for your support!