Stars Align on the Dance Floor in Southern Indiana to Champion Hosparus Health’s Mission

Local celebrities raise $364,000 while dancing for a cause at the sold-out annual fundraiser.

(NEW ALBANY, IN) — On September 10, a vibrant crowd gathered at Huber’s Orchard & Winery to support Hosparus Health’s annual Dancing with Our Southern Indiana Stars fundraiser. Local celebrity dancers put on a spectacular show, showcasing their talents in styles ranging from sultry bachata to energetic hustle. These daring individuals stepped out of their comfort zones to raise awareness for Hosparus Health services and funds to ensure community members receive the holistic support they need, regardless of their ability to pay. The event raised $364,000, helping more Indiana families access essential hospice, palliative, and bereavement care.

“The magic of this event lies in how our community unites behind our mission,” said Tawanda Owsley, Hosparus Health’s SVP/Chief Marketing and Development Officer. “Every dance step, every cheer, and every donation reflect our shared commitment to ensuring that families facing serious illness in Southern Indiana receive the compassionate care and support they deserve.”

As one of the few nonprofit hospice providers in the area, Hosparus Health serves the Indiana counties of Clark, Jefferson, Floyd, Scott, Harrison, Orange, Crawford, and Washington. In 2023, the Southern Indiana team of physicians, nurses, social workers, certified nursing assistants, chaplains, and volunteers provided care for over 650 local patients and their families. “For more than 45 years, we have been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all members of the community,” Owsley added. “Last year alone, we supported over 10,000 patients and families across 41 counties in Indiana and Kentucky.”

2024 Dancing with Our Southern Indiana Stars Winners
The singles’ winner was Jacquelyn Koerber, who raised $89,560 for her merengue-hip hop fusion performance, accompanied by professional dancer Clay Marshall. The couples’ category winners were Justin and Kara Endres, who raised $46,976 and entertained the crowd with their cha-cha, choreographed by professional dance instructor Irina Yevtenko.

2024 Celebrity Dancers: Singles Category

• Wendy Dant Chesser, Chief Director, Corporate Strategy & External Affairs, River Ridge Development Authority

• Charlotte Ipsan, Senior VP & Chief Hospital Officer, Norton Healthcare
• Jacquelyn Koerber, Owner, Koerber’s Fine Jewelry
• Mark Smith, Owner, Fulton Smith Insurance
• Marc Tawfik, Partner/Trial Attorney, CLLB Law

2024 Celebrity Dancers: Couples Category (Click dancer’s name to view more)

• Carla Copas, Owner/Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Copas Health; and Shima Gettelfinger, Office Manager, Copas Health

• Justin Endres, Attorney, Young Lind Endres & Kraft; and Kara Endres, Financial Planner, Baird – The Matthews Snyder Group

• Brad Sea, CEO/Mortgage Loan Originator, Kentuckiana Mortgage Group, Inc.; and Ryan Sea, Mortgage Loan Originator, Kentuckiana Mortgage Group, Inc.

The judges for the evening included three former Dancing with Our Southern Indiana Stars celebrity dancers: Daniel Farmer, Juice Box Heroes performer; Julie Hammond, RN, Hosparus Health Referral and Admissions Coordinator; and Leslie Lewis-Sheets, Owner/Interior Designer at LL&A. The event was organized by a dedicated committee of volunteers, including co-chairs Pam Lumley Vissing and Jill Peden.

In addition to the exhilarating dance competition, where dancers competed for votes in the form of donations, the evening featured silent and live auctions, a buffet dinner, and a cash bar to raise funds for the nonprofit organization. Koerber’s Fine Jewelry was the presenting Foxtrot sponsor. The event’s Cha-Cha sponsor was Kentuckiana Mortgage Group, Inc.; the Waltz sponsor was Norton Healthcare; and the Samba sponsor was CLLB Law.

Event Photos and Video
To view pictures from the event, please click here. To view a recap video, click here. For more information, or to support Hosparus Health, visit our website, HosparusHealth.org.

Media Contact
Dyan Duncan
Executive Director of Marketing & Communications
502.814.5439

About Hosparus Health
Established in 1978, Hosparus Health is one of the nation’s largest and most respected community-based, nonprofit care providers for those facing serious illnesses. For over 45 years, the mission-driven organization has championed equitable healthcare access by delivering specialized programs and holistic services across 41 counties in Kentucky and Indiana. Through the support of nearly 700 employees and over 500 volunteers, Hosparus Health’s person-centered approach is focused on improving the quality of life for over 14,000 patients and families annually. Its interdisciplinary teams support serious illnesses across the continuum, including medical care, symptom and medication management, grief counseling, hospice care, and palliative medicine. For more information about Hosparus Health, please call 800-264-0521 or visit www.HosparusHealth.org.