The 15th annual Dancing with the Martin Stars brought fancy footwork, dazzling costumes, an enthusiastic audience, and a heightened community spirit to the Lyric Theatre, raising $176,285 to support the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition.
Eight local celebrities along with their professional partners executed dances like the waltz, tango and cha-cha following months of rehearsals, fundraising and friendly competition.
“This is our signature event, and the energy surrounding its 15th year was truly incredible,” said Martin County Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich, “The dancers were at the top of their game, and the audience was captivated from beginning to end.”
Michelle Hance and professional partner Isabel Lowe earned top dance category honors for their performance of tango. Zac Rockefeller was recognized as the evening’s top fundraiser after raising over $39,000. He also took home the People’s Choice awards with over 400 votes and he and his professional partner Emily Matos were named Overall Champions. This year’s judges were Petra Strom, Shelby Trembly, and Stephanie Martinez.
This year’s dancers and their professional partners were Michelle Hance with Isabel Lowe, Laurie Laramie with Daniel Elhaddad, Brooke Lewis with Brian Spector, Kalista Kaplan with Antonio Torres, Dr. Michelle Massa with Chris Waterman, Zac Rockefeller with Emily Matos, Pete Lashenka with Marianella Tobar, and Michael Sihvola with Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe.
Dancing is only part of the event’s appeal. Besides earning bragging rights for the best performance, dancers raise funds to advance Martin County Healthy Start Coalition’s vision of every baby born healthy, every mother supported, and every father involved.
“The funds our dancers raise support our ongoing prenatal programs, including our MOM Mobile that takes prenatal care into underserved communities. They also help us move forward on our campaign for the Treasure Coast Maternity Center,” Suffich said, noting the additional strain on expectant mothers since the nearest labor and delivery hospital unit closed two years ago. In response, the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is working to create the Treasure Coast Maternity Center, a community-based birthing center in Martin County.
“We’re in awe of the energy and commitment that every dancer brought to the challenge,” Suffich said. “They are helping us change the face of maternity care in our community.”
Major sponsors for the 2026 Dancing with the Martin Stars event include Shaun & Paul Feinsinger, Bob Saxon Consultancy, Jensen Beach High School Drama, The Scoop, Ross Earle Bonan Ensor & Carrigan PA, Treasure Coast Ashley Capital, Closets by Design of Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast, RE/MAX of Stuart, Paul J. Feinsinger, CPA, CFPA, The Eberst Law Firm, HBKS Wealth Advisors, Philip De Berard Family Foundation, Brooke Lewis- RE/MAX of Stuart, HCA, Florida Power & Light. Culver’s of Stuart and Jensen Beach was the Title Sponsor for the evening.
For more information about the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and the Treasure Coast Maternity Center, visit http://www.mchealthystart.org.
