Resilience in Motion: A Night We'll Never Forget

Saturday, May 9th, 2026, will stay with me for a long time.

The room was filled with music, laughter, and the kind of energy that only comes when a community gathers around something they truly believe in. Our students took the stage — not as patients, not as people defined by their diagnoses, but as artists. As dancers. As proof that resilience isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up.

And you showed up in the biggest way possible.

We Raised $86,686

When we set our goal at $50,000, it felt ambitious. We knew it would take everything — months of planning, countless conversations, and a community willing to believe in this work.

What we didn't anticipate was how deeply you would believe.

Here's how it broke down:

💃 $46,090 raised at the gala — through ticket sales, donations, sponsorships, and raffle entries from everyone in that room

📧 $15,596 raised through our email and online campaign — from supporters near and far who couldn't attend but wanted to be part of this moment

🎉 $25,000 matching gift from Bobbi Wise — our anonymous donor who revealed her identity Saturday night and matched every dollar given at the gala, doubling the impact of every gift

Total: $86,686

We didn't just meet our goal. We exceeded it by more than $36,000.

The Moments That Mattered

Numbers tell one story. But Saturday night was about so much more.

David and Delila took the stage for their third showcase. Three years ago, Delila was frustrated, convinced she was "stupid" because Parkinson's made the dance steps feel impossible. Saturday night, she performed with confidence — dancing alongside David, her partner in every sense of the word. They've grown as individuals. They've grown as a couple. And they've found a social world through Rx Ballroom Dance that's given them connection, purpose, and joy.

Mike Kimball performed for the first time. Three years ago, Mike was isolated after his Parkinson's diagnosis and divorce. Now, he says, "I don't look at my feet anymore. I've built confidence. I've found a steadier voice." Watching him celebrate with the community Saturday night — that's what this work is about.

Bobbi Wise revealed herself. For months, we talked about our "anonymous donor" who was matching gifts up to $25,000. Saturday night, Bobbi stood up and let us properly thank her. The room erupted. Her generosity didn't just double donations — it inspired a wave of giving we've never seen before. People gave boldly because Bobbi led the way.

Our volunteers made magic happen. From setup to breakdown, Chapman University students and community members worked tirelessly to make the evening beautiful. They didn't just move tables and hang decorations — they created the space where transformation could be celebrated.

Our sponsors led with vision. From Presenting Sponsor Bobbi Wise to our Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsors — your leadership set the tone. You signaled to the community that this work matters. That individuals with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's deserve access to life-changing care. That underserved communities deserve to be seen and served.

What This Makes Possible

This isn't just about one successful night. It's about what comes next.

Inland Empire Expansion: We're establishing permanent program sites in Temecula and surrounding communities — rural and inland areas that have historically lacked access to specialized Parkinson's and Alzheimer's programming.

Spanish-Language Programming (2027 Launch): We're launching culturally responsive Latin dance classes (salsa, cumbia, bachata, merengue) for Spanish-speaking communities in Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Chula Vista, and El Cajon. These communities face compounded barriers — language isolation, immigration fears, limited healthcare access. We're meeting them where they are, in their language, through dance forms rooted in their cultural heritage.

Serving Over 1000 Students Annually:We're continuing to provide free and low-cost classes across Southern California — from Laguna Woods to Fallbrook, from Oceanside to Kearny Mesa. Three class levels (Movement Fundamentals, Traditional, Intermediate/Advanced) ensure accessibility for all ability levels. Our expansion continues to also focus on out of state locations, including our newest establishments in West Michigan. Virtual Zoom classes reach those who are homebound or geographically isolated.

Evidence-Based Impact:Our partnership with Concordia University continues to measure what we see every day: dance therapy improves balance, posture, tremor, rigidity, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. We're building the research that proves this work changes lives.

Thank You

To every person who donated, attended, volunteered, sponsored, performed, shared our story, or believed in this mission — thank you.

You made Saturday night possible. You made this campaign successful. And you're making the future of Rx Ballroom Dance brighter than we ever imagined.

Special gratitude to:

Presenting Sponsor: Bobbi Wise

Platinum Sponsors: Lewis Brunswick & Rebecca Matoff Foundation Inc., Richard Graham and Audrey Schwarzbein, Jeannine Smith

Gold Sponsors: Valerie and Mike Humphries, James and Gayle Roberts, Suzanne Wilcox, Less Antman

Silver Sponsors: Cathy Volpe, Brad and Kathy Shapiro, Dr. True McMahan, North County Parkinson's Support Group, Kris Thomas, Janine Weeks, Milli Low, Bob and Marcia Kelley

Bronze Sponsors: Coast to Coast Wealth Management, Earnest and Jacky Ngo, Sergio and Cecilia Figueroa, Laura Sirrott, Dr. Brianna Leyden, Bonterra, Margo Beauchamp

And to every individual donor, ticket holder, raffle participant, and supporter — you are the reason this work continues.

What's Next

We're already putting your investment to work. Spanish-language curriculum is in development. Inland Empire partnerships are being finalized. Our research with Concordia University is ongoing.

More stories, photos, and updates from Resilience in Motion coming soon. For now, we're celebrating what we accomplished together — and feeling incredibly grateful for this community.

Saturday night reminded us why we do this work. Why dance matters. Why community matters. Why showing up — even when it's hard, even when you're unsure — is the most powerful form of resilience.

Thank you for showing up with us.

With overwhelming gratitude,

Erin Angelo

Executive Director

Rx Ballroom Dance