A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR

Backstage, the adrenaline was rushing. 

Eight couples, some of the most recognizable faces in Memphis,

nervously waited for their turn to show off their moves at the YMCA’s Dancing with the Stars fundraiser. 

The event, now in its second year, attracted more than 600 attendees who came

for an evening full of glamour and community impact. 

The night was the culmination of months of practice by the amateur dance teams who

worked with professional choreographers to learn a 90 second routine.

Three local judges critiqued the performances based on difficulty, entertainment, and costume design. 

The winners would take home the coveted mirror ball trophy and enough bragging rights to last a lifetime. 

None of the volunteers were expecting the Y to ask them to dance in front of hundreds of friends,

colleagues and strangers. They are all busy people, and dancing is a huge time commitment,

with three to four practices a week leading up to the show. 

Some teams met at 5 a.m. to practice; others squeezed in practice late at night. The dancers also

had to raise money because it is a fundraiser after all. 

It’s a really big ask.  

But when the call came, everyone enthusiastically agreed. They said yes to step

outside of their comfort zone. They said yes to lift up kids in our city. 

Pair by pair; each couple took the stage, dazzling the audience with footwork and flair.

They brought it all—the conga, the moonwalk, the fox trot—with a whole lot of hope

thrown in for the families the Y serves every day. 

I asked several of the dancers what they had learned about themselves during the competition.

The answers were as diverse as the participants themselves. One admitted how frightened he

was at first, but the encouragement he received gave him the confidence to dance on stage.

Another said she learned the importance of hard work and trusting her dance partner. 

It was interesting, though, that when asked why they committed to dance, the answers were the same.

It is because they love the city and they love helping kids.  

Because they said yes, more children will learn to swim, more teens will have a safe place to belong,

and more meals will be served to kids who need one. 

Changing lives one step at a time. This makes all of the dancers champions. 

Hope Sneed

Celebrating Community Impact

At the 2026 Dancing with the Stars–Memphis fundraiser, the YMCA proudly recognized

four outstanding individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and commitment are

strengthening our community. 

• Red Triangle Award: Beverly C. Robertson  

• Outstanding Youth Award: Dallas Ross  

• Outstanding Community Partner Award: City of Lakeland  

• Outstanding Community Advocate Award: AutoZone  

These honorees exemplify the spirit of service, leadership, and community investment

that helps the YMCA create lasting impact across Memphis and the Mid-South. We are grateful

for their dedication and proud to celebrate their contributions.

What's Happening at the Y

Lifeguard Olympics

Dancing with the Stars - Memphis Recap

What a night! From incredible performances to meaningful impact,

Dancing with the Stars–Memphis presented by Leaders Credit Union brought our

community together for an unforgettable evening. Thank you to everyone who helped

make year two a success. 

Watch the official recap video and relive the magic.

Thank You for Doing More

Your generosity fuels every story, every program, and every life changed at the Y.

Thank you for believing in this mission and continuing to #YDoMore for your Community.