Education Foundation

Right now, a student is having a learning experience made better by the work that we do.
Investing in education now to impact our future.
One teacher can inspire the lives of many.
Innovation in and outside of the classroom.
Enhancing the quality of education for all.

Six celebrities have been selected to entertain you on the ballroom floor in Lake County’s premiere event, Stepping Out for Education. This local version of Dancing with the Stars is coming to the Venetian Center on Friday, July 28, 2023 and Saturday, July 29, 2023. Our creative director/pro dancer Eddie Rivera will start the Tribute to the Golden Age of Hollywood themed evening off with an encore dance featuring the 2022 Mirror Ball winner, Shaunna Purdy. Each of the six local celebrities and their pro partners will compete in a classic ballroom style dance and finish with a freestyle Hollywood themed dance with a top male and female named by professional judges each evening. The overall 2023 Mirror Ball winner is decided by the combined audience votes.

Tickets for the 17th Annual Stepping Out For Education are now available! Our six local celebrity dancers are ready to WOW you as they will receive 20 hours of professional lessons to help raise money for the teachers and students in Lake County Schools.

This year’s local celebrities include:

  • Lindsey Blaise, President and CEO, Citizens First Bank
  • Erin Craig, President, Florida Operators and Controls
  • Amanda Nethero, Owner, New Heights Communication
  • Tyler Brandeburg, Brown & Brown Insurance, Lake County Schools
  • Willie Hawkins, Commissioner, City of Eustis
  • Al Minner, City Manager, City of Leesburg
The Local celebrities for the 2023 Stepping Out for Education.

Interested in being a sponsor? There are very limited Top Hat, White Glove, Red Carpet, and Gold Star Sponsorships available – so make sure to secure your sponsorship today! Saturday night sponsorships are now SOLD OUT.


Want to come on a date night or girl’s night out? Tickets are $160 per person and include a 4-course meal, open beer and wine bar, and a chance to vote for your favorite star. Saturday night has already SOLD OUT. Buy your Friday night tickets now!


Can’t make it to the event? We ha ve had people ask us for another way to vote for their favorite local celebrity. Introducing for the first year, The Influencer Award! You can vote for you favorite local celebrity to earn this new award which will count separately from the Top Male, Top Female, and Overall Mirror Ball Winner. Each vote is $5 and can be purchased below.

The 2023 Stepping Out for Education Presenting Sponsors are: