Thriving Like a Star 2025 — A Night of Hope in Motion

Thanks to your incredible generosity, the Stroke Life Center’s Thriving Like a Star Gala surpassed its goal.

Presented by

Media Partner - 13abc | Entertainment Partner - DanceFam Ballroom & Latin Studio

Printer & Marketing Partner - Allons-Y! Marketing

Thank You for Making the Night Shine!

Because of you, stroke survivors and caregivers continue to thrive beyond rehab.

From the first dance to the last twirl, our community came together to celebrate resilience, courage, and recovery. Every bid, every sponsorship, and every cheer helped stroke survivors and caregivers rediscover joy, independence, and hope.

Our Stars Take Center Stage

Celebrating the talent, courage, and community spirit that make this night unforgettable.

Our Judges - Kimberley Mitchell, Alison Avendt, Harlene Cole, Pat McCarty, Paul Spoerl

Kristin & Slava Polubneva

Dr Tomas Calderon & Iuliia Leuck

Kalie Marantett & Michael Bulgar

Amanda Held & Dave Ludlow

Dr. Matthew Hutcherson & Shana Pisle

Ben Palicki & Jordan Fiedler

Dr Andrea Mata & Dom Glover

Claire Mitchell & Slava Polubneva

Our 2025 TLaS Gala Judges and Dancers

Our Judges Choice & Audience Choice Winners

Mirrorball Trophys

Our 2025 TLaS Gala Planning Committee

Together We Turned Hope into Action!

From the first step onto the dance floor to the final applause, every moment was made possible by your support. Relive the magic, joy, and community spirit that made the night unforgettable.

Click Here to View the Gala Highlights Gallery

Gratitude That Shines Brighter Than the Mirrorball

With Deep Appreciation—

Our heartfelt thanks to our Celebrity and Professional Dancers, whose courage, talent, and heart brought inspiration to every step of the evening. Your dedication turned the dance floor into a celebration of strength, resilience, and community.

A special thank-you to our Celebrity Judges for lending your time, expertise, and enthusiasm — and to our charismatic Master of Ceremonies, Fred LeFebvre, for guiding the evening with warmth, humor, and sparkle.

A special thank-you to our Sponsors, In-kind Partners, and Silent Auction Donors- Your generosity powers “hope in action.” You’re helping stroke survivors and caregivers find strength, purpose, and community—long after rehab ends.

Thank you to our Amazing Vendors- Your talent, attention to detail, and generosity made Thriving Like a Star an unforgettable night of hope, joy, and celebration.

Together, you made Thriving Like a Star a night to remember!

Our Mirrorball and Presenting Sponsor

Viennese Waltz Sponsors

Mambo Sponsors

Cha Cha Sponsors

Contributing Partners

Kingston HealthCare - Peggy Lewis - Savage

Gift of Joy

Kish Ambulance - Chris and Marcia Felix - Fred LeFebvre - James Hartley - Monnie Holman - Sharlene Suico - Dr. Stacey Hoffman (in honor of the amazing community Cindy and Sue have created) - Thomas (Murphy) Murray, Vince Croci

In-Kind & Community Partners

Emmanuel Christian School - Jerry and Rita Mudget - Jori Velichko - Julie Goins-Whitmore - Kenneth and Lisa Humphrey - Lisa Bolton - Mary Murray - Sydney Magnum - Tara Schnell

Silent Auction Donors

Dorothy and Carroll Ashley - Brian and Erica Reid - The Lloyd Design Team Interiors - University of Toledo - Barbara Mullholand - Courtney Cousino - Stroke Life Center - Home Instead - Sips - Mancy’s - Sophia Lustic - Inside the Five - Nancy Dyer - Garry and Kathy Newbury - Kingston HomeCare - Allison Drees - Color Her Confident - Belle % Bee Photography - Essential Beauty Co. - Tisha Daleska - Northwood Jewelers - Fresh Market - Rosie Gantos - Luna Dream Catcher, LLC