 Kevin Fitzharris |
|  Wendy France | |||||||||||
 Whitney Grate |  | ||||||||||||
 Dave Klein |  Jake Leonard | ||||||||||||
 Justin McGee |  Kathy O'Shaughnessy | ||||||||||||
 Ali Rifkin |  Laura Parrish | ||||||||||||
| For more information: Please contact our reservations chair, Connie Slyby ckslyby@gmail.com 260.438.1448 | |||||||||||||
Kevin Fitzharris grew up in Fort Wayne, obtained his undergraduate degree from Purdue University (West Lafayette), and a law degree from the University of Notre Dame. Go Irish! He started practicing law at Barrett McNagny in 1990 and has been there ever since. He is now a full-time mediator helping other attorneys resolve their cases before filing suit or before trial. He will be the first one to tell you he over married in courting Stephanie 34 years ago - who bakes incredible treats for his mediations! They have 3 children, a son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and 2 precious grandchildren who know them as “Lolli” and “Pop.” Kevin and Steph enjoy traveling, spending time at their cottage on Clear Lake, and are very active at their church, Emmanuel Community Church. In his spare time Kevin enjoys being inside the ropes at professional golf tournaments working for the Golf Channel and NBC Sports. He also is a triathlete having completed 7 triathlons including 2 half Ironmans and 1 full Ironman. But as a non-dancer, Kevin tells us this 2 ½ minute dance routine will be much harder than ANY triathlon! He is honored to be a part of this special event and is excited to support The Carriage House and the much-needed work they are doing in our local community. | |
 | Born in Ft Wayne, graduating from Carroll High School, Wendy France has vast experience in, and a deep love for, her hometown. Following college, she took the opportunity to become a licensed realtor and has been working in this exciting and ever-growing field for nearly ten years. Wendy is dedicated to listening to her client’s needs and working with them to fulfill their housing dreams. A dog mom to three adorable and lively teacup Yorkies (shared with her significant other, Greg) she enjoys spending time with family and friends. Wendy is honored to be an Auntie to all of her younger nieces and nephews, and is an active “BIG” with the Big Brothers and Sisters organization. In her leisure time, she enjoys using our Ft Wayne trails, checking out the local Farmer’s Market, visiting the new and varied dining destinations in our city, and doing Pilates. Although Wendy does not consider herself to be a proficient dancer, she certainly has fun moving to a wide variety of music genres on the dance floor. She says, “I am so honored and excited to be a part of this great event, helping to raise awareness of and contributions to the wonderful mission of the Carriage House!” |
 | Whitney Grate is a dynamic entrepreneur, seasoned network marketer, real estate investor, and licensed Realtor with a deep passion for people, purpose, and global experiences. A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is married and a devoted wife to her high school sweetheart, Austin, and just celebrated 7 years of marriage! She comes from an amazing upbringing with very supportive and loving parents. For the past 14 years, she has thrived in network marketing, helping countless individuals grow their businesses and discover what true freedom can look like. In addition to her marketing work, Whitney has spent the last three years excelling and learning in real estate. She works alongside her husband, Austin Grate, as a Realtor and real estate investor. Together, they are building a portfolio of properties and helping families find places to call home. A true citizen of the world, Whitney has traveled to 12 countries, with plans to visit Dubai and Egypt this New Year’s. Her travels fuel her soul, offering insight into different cultures and lifestyles. Bali remains her favorite destination, thanks to the kindness and spirit of the local community. Being on a plane with her husband and shutting their phones off, headed to make more memories is one of her absolute favorite things! Outside of business and travel, Whitney is passionate about faith, social connection, and community service. She is active in events that bring people together and is committed to spreading the love of Jesus through both action and word. |
 | Toni Irby is a master stylist, entrepreneur, and community leader with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. As the owner of Upgrade Hair Salon, she transforms lives through her artistry, specializing in everything from bold cuts to elegant extensions. Toni is also the founder of EYE-Conic YOU! Academy, a holistic mentoring program for girls aged 13–18 that combines cosmetology training with life skills in confidence and resilience. Her commitment to youth empowerment extends to her roles as a Coach at the Amp Lab and a volunteer at the Euell Wilson Center’s Jewels program. Toni serves on the Steering Committee for the 2025 Debutante Cotillion, continuing her mission to empower the next generation of leaders. In 2024, she showcased her talents on the reality TV show Hair Slayers on the Culture Network. She is the creator of Custom Glory Wigs, inspired by her late sister’s cancer journey, and the apparel line My Hair is God’s Graffiti. In 2025, she received the Unsung Hero Award from the Indiana Black Expo Fort Wayne Chapter. Toni holds a B.A. in Communication from Indiana University Bloomington, is a board-certified Cosmetologist and Non-Surgical Hair Replacement Specialist, and a 2023 graduate of the Foellinger Foundation’s Sonder Fellowship. She serves on the board of The Foundry and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Toni lives by her personal mission: to help women become their own kind of BeYOUtiful by empowering and inspiring the woman inside of them. Her guiding mantra is, “The more that I am me, the more freedom I give you to be you,” reflecting her belief in the power of authenticity to inspire others. Learn more at ToniIrby.com. |
 | Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Dave Klein is the oldest of ten siblings and a proud graduate of the University of Evansville, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Driven by a deep passion for helping others, he began his career in law enforcement immediately after college with the South Bend Police Department, where he served for two years. For the past 16 years, he has been proudly serving and protecting the Fort Wayne community as a dedicated police officer. Known for his steady leadership, calm presence, and strong moral compass, he remains committed to public safety and community engagement. Outside of his professional duties, Dave is a devoted husband to his wife, Kari, of 15 years and a loving father to their four children, all of whom attend St. Vincent de Paul School. He is an active and well-respected member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, where he can often be found providing security during Sunday morning Mass. When he’s not on duty, Dave enjoys spending time outdoors—whether it’s working in the yard, casting a line at his favorite fishing spot, or exploring new trails with his family. He also enjoys firing up his Traeger to grill and smoke new recipes, especially when it brings people together. Known by those around him as someone who would truly give the shirt off his back, Dave leads with quiet generosity and a heart for service. He is honored to support The Carriage House and its commitment to building community and offering meaningful support to individuals living with mental illness. Being part of this event is a privilege and a reflection of his deep belief in the power of compassion and connection. |
 | Born and raised in Fort Wayne, IN, Jake Leonard is known to be profoundly passionate about his faith, family, and business — and in that order! After graduating from Bishop Dwenger High School in 2014, Jake wanted to experience what it would be like living outside the Fort Wayne area. He attended High Point University in North Carolina for 2 years and then transferred back home to Purdue Fort Wayne to continue his education and also continue his growth within the family business: Preferred Automotive Group. From smashing oil filters in the service department when he was 15 years old to selling vehicles at 17, it would be best to say moving back was the best thing for him and his family. During his continued growth in the business, Jake lost his father, Jay, 5 months after his brain cancer diagnosis in 2023. Jay was deeply involved within the Fort Wayne community (even performed the 1st year and judged for another 10 years with Dancing with the Fort Wayne Stars) and Jake knows his mission is to carry that torch forward to make his dad proud! Today, Jake completed a vision that he and his dad shared together within business which was to consolidate all inventory into one superstore. Jake is now the Vice President of Preferred Automotive Group and manages the day-to-day operations with the goal to offer quality pre-owned vehicles and service, with an experience you won't find anywhere else! Outside of the office walls you can find Jake with his beautiful wife, Ashley, and their 2 children, Penelope & Lucas. They attend Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church and plan to continue homeschooling their children for as long as they see fit! Jake also has a deep passion for golf, cooking, and working out. No matter where Jake goes or who he is with, he leads with wanting to put others before himself, humor, grace, and humility. Jake is thrilled and honored to be part of this great event, so now let's dance our way to bringing more awareness and contributions for the Carriage House! |
 | Justin McGee MD, MBA is a Fort Wayne native. He works as an Emergency Medicine physician and is a partner at Professional Emergency Physicians, P.C. Outside of work, Justin spends time serving the community as President of the Fort Wayne African American Healthcare Alliance and works with the Fort Wayne Medical Society volunteering with the Walk with a Doc program. He also enjoys cooking, reading, working out, and going on dates with his wife, Jae McGee. Justin graduated from The Ohio State University Magna cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Art in Political Science. He completed a joint MD, MBA program from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Fisher College of Business. Justin did his residency training at the Indiana University Emergency Medicine program. |
 | Kathy O'Shaughnessy was born and raised in Carmel, IN. She met her husband Andy 35 years ago on a blind date while both lived in Indianapolis. 31 years ago, they relocated to Fort Wayne and put down roots in this community. They raised their three now adult ‘ing children, Ryan, Riley, and Regan, in this wonderful city. Kathy holds an RN BSN degree, having graduated from Purdue University, West Lafayette. She currently works as a nursing educator for the IU School of Medicine, USF, and Manchester University, teaching future healthcare professionals how to interact with patients and improve their bedside skills and presentation. Kathy has always enjoyed patient interactions, first as a hospital cardiac nurse and then later as a cardiac rehab nurse. After relocating to Fort Wayne, she continued her passion as a Public School Nurse and finally as a Hospice Nurse. Kathy has a compassion for the disadvantaged and underserved. She has and continues to serve on various boards and committees of non-profit organizations within the Fort Wayne community. Kathy has been a BIG SISTER in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for over 40 years. She served under Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Deb McMahan on a Children’sHealthPlan within the mental health arm and on the Allen County Mental Health Coalition. Kathy is a member of The Fort Wayne Policy Circle. She has served on the Boys and Girls Clubs Board of Directors, the Vera Bradley Foundation Committee, the Habitat for Humanity Restore Your Passion committee, and as a 15-year Women Build organizer, and so much more. She supports Matthew 25 Health and Dental Clinic, Hope’s Harbor, Sexual Assault Treatment Center, Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne, Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, and The Peggy Murphy Center for Grief and various other community organizations. Kathy is the current co-president for the Fort Wayne Medical Society Alliance. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, traveling, Pilates, reading (in 3 book clubs), and most importantly, spending time with family and friends. |
 Laura Parrish | I’m Laura Parrish, an orthodontist at Parrish Orthodontics. I knew from a very young age what I wanted to do with my passion for teeth! I have been creating beautiful smiles for 15 years. I met my husband, Dr. Brandon Parrish, in dental school and we always knew we wanted to work together. Today, we have 9 offices in Fort Wayne and the surrounding area with Dr. Kate Welch and Dr. Leah Stetzel. I grew up in northwest Indiana and attended both undergrad and dental school in Indianapolis. I am so happy that we moved back to my husbands’ hometown of Fort Wayne to raise our family. We have 2 wonderful boys, Noah and Ty, and a girl dog, Bella. The community here is truly wonderful and Dancing with the Stars is one of our favorite events to attend. I’m excited to be able to participate and contribute to this rewarding cause. |
 | Ali Rifkin I am a proud mother and freelance calligrapher. My artistic side is balanced by my passion for golf and coaching the next generation of players as the golf coach at Canterbury Middle School. My home is happily ruled by my daughter, Warren, and my 2 rescue dogs, Doug and Dexter. I enjoy traveling, sharing a meal with friends, spending time with my family, and a nice cup of coffee. |
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.
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!
 | 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. |
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