Name: Dancing with the Fort Wayne Stars 2024
Start: 2024-11-07T22:30:00.0000000
End: 2024-11-08T03:00:00.0000000
Location: Grand Wayne Convention Center, West Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN, USA

*Brian Bojrab*	You are cordially invited to most enjoyable fundraiser of the year! Dancing with the Fort Wayne Stars 2024 10 Incredible Celebrity Dancers will take months of lessons from local professionals. They will join our Emcees, Celebrity Judges, a Live Band, and 1,200 adoring fans for a night of MUSIC and DANCING! November 7th, 2024 The Grand Wayne Center 5:30-10:00pm Stay Tuned to this page for updated information on our amazing dancers! Click Here to see memories from last year Learn more about the Carriage House Changing the World for those with Serious Mental Illness	*Gina Burtness*
*Dr. George Cooper*		*Dr. Landon Harrison*
*Theresa Laxton*		*Matt McKibben*
Lauren Minke		Dr. Tom Nill
*Jessica Pappert*		Josh Raines
	For more information: Please contact our reservations chair, Connie Slyby ckslyby@gmail.com 260.438.1448

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Brian Bojrab

Brain Bojrab

Brian Bojrab is a Fort Wayne native, graduating from Northrop and studying at Indiana Institute of Technology for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Brian is one of three brothers, and most of his family lives in Fort Wayne including his parents, aunt, cousins and more. Brian spent the bulk of his career, 18 years, at Lincoln Financial in Fort Wayne. He started in 2000 at the broker dealer and acquired FINRA 7, 4, 24, 53, 63 and 65 licenses. During his tenure he worked through the brokerage trade desk into compliance, training and communication and ultimately ended in IT support. In 2018, Brian retired from Lincoln to join his brother in the trucking and logistics business as the CFO. Since his start date, they have grown the business from a freight brokerage only to a broker and a carrier with nine trucks presently. Brian’s expertise is strategizing the business plan to build relationships and increase revenue to have a sustainable work model.

Brian grew up playing all the sports and has a great attitude towards his newest found hobby, dancing! He enjoys a good beat and is skilled at keeping time with the music. In Brian’s free time, he enjoys traveling with his significant other, Ashley, building Astromech droids (R2-D2 style from an old movie: Star Wars) and fixing things with David DeMarchis. Brian has two stepchildren and 6 step-grandchildren and loves to play and roughhouse.

Brian is a charismatic, loyal, and trustworthy friend that believes in the Carriage House mission. He’s delighted to be here and support a worthwhile cause.

Gina Burtness

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.

George Cooper IV

Following in his father’s footsteps as a dentist and legacy dancer (2007), George is fired up to break it down and benefit the Carriage House. However, unlike his father, he’s actually looking to place…First and foremost, George has been married to his beautiful wife Kelly for one year. She will be front and center at the event carrying their first child who is due at the end of November. She is the real star in their family. They are also proud parents to their English bulldog, Walter. However, Walter prefers his grandma, Mary, a Fort Wayne dental legend herself. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, George received his undergraduate degree from Miami University (OH) and dental degree from Midwestern University (IL). He moved back to Fort Wayne in 2017 and has been proudly practicing dentistry since. He has also served as a dental educator at the Indiana University Fort Wayne Dental Hygiene Program, as well as on the board of the Isaac Knapp District Dental Society Young Dentist Committee. Outside of the office, George is passionate about his Faith and following the Seattle Seahawks. On Sundays you will find him and his wife at City Church, or in a nearby city to cheer on their beloved team. Aside from Dancing with the Stars, he’s been involved with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). His dance resume only consists of a choreographed first dance song at his wedding. On top of his limited dance experience, he was also the recipient of a brand new hip in January. He welcomes all pity votes. In all seriousness, George appreciates the attention to mental health in today’s world, and is honored to be apart of such a great event and even better organization. Let’s boogie!

Landon Harrison

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!

Theresa Laxton

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.

Matt McKibben

Matt McKibben
Matt attended Bishop Dwenger high school from 1994 to 1998. He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Northwood University where he graduated in 2002. He has been a part of the Glenbrook Automotive Group since May 2002. He is a proud member of that organization as they are big advocates for many foundations here in the Fort Wayne community.

Lauren MInke

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!

Tom Nill

Tom Nill

Dr. Tom Nill is a lifelong Fort Wayne resident and graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine. Throughout his twenty-six-year career with Northeast Indiana Urology, Tom was known for his warm personality and expertise treating patients. Since retiring in 2018, Tom dedicates time to helping children and adults with developmental challenges find joy riding horses at Camp Red Cedar. Tom and his wife Helen have been happily married for 39 years. They are the proud parents of three adult sons who have grown their family to include two wonderful daughters-in-law and two grandchildren.

Tom is an enthusiastic (not necessarily proficient) ballroom dancer and is delighted to share his love of dancing while raising funds to support a cause for which he and Helen are passionate: mental health. Typically, Tom avoids the spotlight. However, he was moved to say yes to Dancing with the Fort Wayne Stars after hearing a fellow volunteer at Camp Red Cedar and Carriage House club member share her journey through mental health challenges. Additionally, Tom saw the lifelong struggles his patients with chronic mental health faced and feels passionately about helping Carriage House further it’s mission.

Jessica Pappert

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.

Josh Raines

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.

Event Information

We are so happy that you are for joining us for our event - we can't wait to meet you! Your support of the Carriage House means the world to all of us.

We work hard to make sure that everyone feels welcome and comfortable for the evening. Here are a few questions that we have been asked in the past.
What should I wear? It's a classy event - evening party attire is suggested. Most men will wear jacket or suit.

The Dancing Committee

Is it a cash bar? Yes! Credit cards and cash will be accepted at bars throughout the venue. VIP Sponsors will have a dedicated Open Bar.

2023 Celebrity Judges

What's for dinner? Our event is catered by the Hilton Fort Wayne. There will be an expansive buffet with options for all kinds of diets. The buffet will be available from 5:30 - 7:00 VIP Sponsors will have an elegant plated dinner.

2023 Champions Kayla DeMarchis with professional partner Patric Didier from Fred Astaire.

Where should I park? Most people park in the Hilton parking garage. You can pay with a credit card when you leave.

The Grand Wayne Center

How do I support my favorite dancer? Cheer! Applaud! And Vote! Every person gets one free vote in the first round and one free vote in the second round. More votes are available for purchase ($10 each) with cash, checks, credit cards, and Venmo at the event. Thank you for supporting the mission of the Carriage House with your votes!

About the Carriage House

	The Carriage House is a unique and nontraditional community assisting women and men with the most serious mental illness to recover and reclaim their lives.		Since 1997, we have been honored to provide the highest quality psychiatric rehabilitation using the evidence-based and internationally replicated Clubhouse Model.
		To learn more about our program, please come for a tour or visit our website here!

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