Gina Burtness was born and raised in Fort Wayne, IN. She graduated from R. Nelson Snider High School and went on to Purdue University where she earned a degree in Pharmacy. She returned to Fort Wayne, received her MBA from St. Francis and practiced locally in retail pharmacy for over 30 years with Walgreens and CVS Target channel as a staff pharmacist and pharmacy manager.
 
She now utilizes her pharmacy experience volunteering for Matthew 25 in their dispensary. Gina is currently volunteering with Green Leaf Wildlife Rescue, founded in 2023 in Allen County, it serves to provide care and rehabilitation to injured and orphaned wildlife. 
 
She is also volunteering with Sigma Kappa Sorority Corporation Board as Vice President of Facilities at her alma mater, Purdue University. She enjoys working and engaging with the collegians to enhance their sorority and college experience. 
 
Gina is a dedicated advocate for breast cancer awareness as she is a 16 year survivor. She has enjoyed ballroom dancing for a number of years. She enjoys music and design. Gina and her husband Jeff enjoy attending art shows, discovering new artists, traveling, and the education that comes with discovering new places.

Born and raised in the small farming town of Marathon, Wisconsin, Landon Harrison’s family values and altruistic attitude guided her interest in a career where she could care and advocate for the health and well-being of others. Following her undergraduate career, she followed her pursuits at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine where she earned both a Medical Degree and a Master’s in Business Administration. Landon completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio. During her residency, she met her husband, Dr. Keith Harrison, owner of Harrison Dental Group. 

In 2017, Landon relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she began her professional practice with the Parkview Physicians Group. Since then, she has been dedicated to providing exceptional care in her field, to both her patients and the surrounding community. Alongside her professional responsibilities, Landon actively contributes to her alma mater by serving on the Alumni Board, reflecting her commitment to supporting the next generation of medical professionals. 

Married to Dr. Keith Harrison since 2017, Landon is a proud mother of two children, Margaret and Graham. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family and friends. Landon took dance lessons in tap and jazz for 16 years during her childhood and adolescence and is thrilled for the opportunity to perform once again!

With 24 years of nursing experience and a new venture as a legal nurse consultant entrepreneur with Laxton Consulting, Theresa Laxton is deeply rooted in the Fort Wayne community. An alumna of the University of Saint Francis, Theresa has dedicated their career to improving healthcare and now brings that expertise to the legal field.

As a proud wife to Heather and mother to three wonderful boys—Skyler, Quentin, and Anderson—Theresa also cherishes being a grandmother to little Winter. Her commitment to community service shines through her two-year tenure volunteering with the Fort 4 Fitness Board of Directors.

Theresa has a passion for dancing, a joy reignited by Christmas dance lessons gifted by Heather last year. This love of dance, combined with hobbies like cooking, entertaining, art, music, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors, reflects her vibrant and dynamic personality.

Participating in the Dancing with the Stars event is a true honor for Theresa,  who values the mission and vision of the Carriage House. This charity's cause resonates deeply with her, making her participation in this event both meaningful and rewarding.

A Logansport Berry turned Purdue Boilermaker, Lauren Minke moved to Fort Wayne to start her legal career with Rothberg Logan & Warsco in 2016, but not before she served as a United States Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala. Blessed to have experienced "the toughest job you'll ever love", Lauren continues to serve our multicultural community on the board of Amani Family Services. She has been an attorney with Barrett McNagny since 2020, where she concentrates her practice in civil litigation. Lauren met her best friend and husband, Jason, in 2017, and together they are the proud parents of Harper (4) and Declan (2). She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and catching up on sleep (that's a hobby, right?). A dedicated member of civic theater and school musicals growing up, Lauren last found herself center stage with Amani's 2023 One Beat Lip Sync competition. Although she wouldn't consider herself a dancer (and Jason would likely agree), what she lacks in skill she makes up for in entertainment, and she's excited to bring it tonight!

Jessica Pappert, born and raised in Fort Wayne, IN, is a proud graduate of Bishop Dwenger High School. She has been a dedicated professional at Buchanan Hauling and Rigging for 23 years, holding various roles and currently serving as the Vice President of Sales since May 2023.
Jessica has been happily married to her supportive husband, Ted, for 11 years. Together, they have two children whom she adores: Henry (6) and Cora (4). Jessica is involved in her community, volunteering and attending St. Charles Church, and being an active member and volunteer at Fort Wayne Turners.
In her leisure time, Jessica enjoys traveling, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her extensive experience, dedication to her family, and commitment to her community make her an invaluable contributor to our fundraising efforts.

Joshua Raines is an extraordinary leader known for his relational-driven approach, visionary mindset, and unwavering focus on growth. As the host of the radio show "Josh and Friends" on STAR 88.3, he has captivated audiences with his engaging style and thought-provoking content.
 
 In addition to his remarkable work in broadcasting, Joshua is a co-founder of United Front, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to fostering meaningful conversations around race, equity, and inclusion within communities. Through this initiative, he empowers individuals to come together, break down barriers, and create lasting positive change.
 
 Furthermore, Joshua serves as at Destiny Rescue, an organization committed to eradicating child trafficking and providing restorative support to children trapped in sexual exploitation. His involvement with Destiny Rescue showcases his deep compassion and dedication to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
 
 Driven by a genuine desire to make a difference, Joshua Raines is a true inspiration and catalyst for positive transformation. With his dynamic leadership, he continues to create a profound impact in the realms of media, social justice, and child protection.
 
 He is also the founder of Connect-FW, a Fort Wayne organization that produces events bringing in national speakers to create an environment of inspiration and connection. Joshua also manages an international artist named IhearCanvas.