SHELTON — Stand-up comedy icon, podcaster, and creativity coach Lisa
Lampanelli brought laughter and inspiration to a capacity crowd at the 6th Annual Dancing with the Stars fundraiser benefiting Adam’s House on October 17 at the Fairfield Theatre Company.
Lampanelli was joined by Celebrity Emcee and Emmy Award–winning NBC Connecticut anchor Taylor Kinzler, who guided the audience through an exciting lineup of eight dance pairs. The performances were judged by a lively panel featuring Lampanelli, Ivana Strancaric, Dance Director at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, and new to the judges panel, Mike Duncan, Shelton resident, business and community leader, who said, “Adam’s House is critical to our community – quietly there when you need them helping children rediscover their bright future after loss. I’m proud to support them through such a fun event.”
Fred Astaire Dance Studios from Hamden, Norwalk, Orange, and Shelton participated in the event, coming together to support Adam’s House’s mission of providing free grief education, peer support, and resources that empower children and families to navigate loss with strength, resilience, and hope.
This year’s Top Fundraiser Award went to Ann Green, a student at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Shelton. Both the People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice awards were presented to Lauren Murphy and her professional partner Dusan Kostic from the Norwalk studio for their crowd-pleasing Mambo, which earned a standing ovation.
“Dancing with the Stars is our premier fundraising event, with proceeds benefiting our Helping Hearts Heal grief education and peer-support program, which is offered at no cost to grieving children and families,” said Allison Wysota, Founder of Adam’s House. “Since 2017, Adam’s House has transformed more than 450 lives through grief education and peer support. This event not only raises awareness in the communities we serve, it helps us continue our vital work across Fairfield and New Haven Counties and beyond.”
The evening opened with stand-up comedian and Shrink This podcast co-host Nick Scopoletti, who warmed up the crowd and set the tone for an unforgettable night.
Adam’s House extends heartfelt thanks to its sponsors, including the Jimmy McGrath Foundation, Thor Specialties, DR Bank, Aquarion Water Company, and M&T Bank, for their generous support.