Dancing With The Carolina Stars Fundraiser

Bull City’s brightest stars from your favorite local businesses and organizations go head-to-head in a show-stopping dance contest—all for a great cause!

This year’s dazzling lineup features:

Monica Barnes – Vice President of Community Engagement at WTVD ABC11
Susan Herst – Broker / Founding Partner, Urban Durham Realty
Diana Medoff – Educator & Community Organizer
Tellers Pollard – Founder and COO of Flavor Hills Restaurant & First Wave Hospitality Group
Michelle Vanderwalker – Owner of Queeny’s & Kingfisher
Alec Virgil – 2025 Durham Public Schools Teacher of the Year
Chef Queen Precious-Jewel Zabriskie – Founder & Executive Chef of Elevated Palate Personal Chef Service and creator of Indulgent Essential Spices®

Each Star will be paired with a professional dancer to showcase weeks of dedication and practice, leaving the audience in awe with their moves. Expect electrifying performances, hilarious judge commentary, a night filled with laughter, friendly rivalry, and incredible entertainment!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! The evening’s festivities include:

A lively welcome reception with a delectable spread from Chef Paris and sparkling libations
Live auction & raffles featuring exclusive experiences and incredible prizes
An unforgettable after-party with enticing treats from Chef Queen Precious-Jewel, live music by Rissi Palmer, and a chance to mingle with the Stars

Every ticket, every donation, and every cheer fuel the mission of the Carolina Theatre—bringing vibrant, thought-provoking live events, film, and educational programs to downtown Durham while supporting local arts and small businesses.