And what an unforgettable evening it was! After months of anticipation and practice the 6th Annual Dance the Night Away Gala™ competition was a huge success! Proceeds support the nonprofit organization that assists qualified local cancer patients and their families by paying a portion of their non-medical bills, and supplementing essentials. As a staple in Palm Beach County, Cancer Alliance has earned Platinum status from GuideStar and a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator and will allocate over $1,500,000 to assist over 300 families in the community.
The Mediterranean ballroom at the Breakers Hotel was brimming with the most generous benefactors devoted to the Cancer Alliance of Help and Hope. Guests then moved to the Venetian Ballroom, where pair by pair dancers took center stage. Gracie Abercrombie, Brittany Alexander, Lisa Bagocius, Marco Chianese, Ally Coulter, Tara Empson, Liz Rohaidy, Jacob Sinclair, Marissa Stissi, Missy Sullivan, Paul Tripaldi, and Rosalyn Yellin dedicated themselves to hours of instruction and intensive training at the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in West Palm Beach, in order to achieve perfect dance execution. Each participant led individual fundraising efforts. Rosalyn Yellin raised the most funds within the community and was named the recipient of the Lois Pope People’s Choice Award, the honorary chairman. Liz Rohaidy took home the Top Dancer award.
Melissa Butterworth and Marina Galli chaired the event, with Grand Honorary Chairs Barbara and Al Marulli. Returning as Master of Ceremonies, Derek Hough—four-time Emmy Award winner and six-time Dancing with the Stars Mirrorball champion— helped each show-stopping performance invigorate the room. Celebrity judges included Susan Lucci, Emmy Award-winning actress; Cassie Donegan, 2026 Miss America; Suebelle Robbins, Palm Beach style icon; and Allison Stockel, Executive Director of Glazer Hall. The corporate sponsor was Lugano.
The event was proudly presented by Dr. Hamid and Soori Ardalan, with generous support from Palm Beach’s philanthropic community, including Benefactor sponsors: Sheila Buchbinder,MD; Melissa Butterworth, Marina Galli, Michelle Worth, Kristina Gustafson, Camille Branca, Evelyn Treacy, and Gloria Herman. Instructor sponsors include: Memorial Healthcare System, Peter and Diane Avonda, Arlette Gordon, and Gary and Lora Rudnitsky. Table Sponsors CHANEL Palm Beach, Lois Pope, David Drennen and David Sarama, and Mark and Barbara Zand. Dance sponsor: Chris and Mike Cox. The event and dance coordinator was Bianca Blag. A dedicated leadership team and dance committee included: Bianca Blag, Melissa Butterworth, Stanton Collemer, Evan Costelo, Marina Galli, Darlene Grace, Holly Hanlon, Jewels Izzo, Angie McNamara, and Barbara Zand
Guests paused for a silent tribute dedicated to Richard “Rick” Hurtado, the beloved partner of CEO Stanton Collemer for more than 20 years, who passed away just one week prior after a courageous battle with cancer. Attendees honored Rick but also their loved ones who lost to cancer. Rick was remembered as smart, kind, and quietly remarkable.
“This incredible night showcased not only amazing talent, but the power of community,” said Stanton Collemer, CEO of Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope. “Thanks to the generosity of our dancers, sponsors, and supporters, we raised a record-breaking $1.4 million—allowing us to continue providing vital financial assistance and support to local families when they need it most.”
This year, Cancer Alliance is on track to disburse over $1,500,000 to more than 300 families in need. Cancer Alliance has earned Platinum status from GuideStar and a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest recognition for transparency and accountability. Of all funds received, 84% support programs, 9% support administration, and 7% support fundraising. MORE HERE
