The name might sound familiar, but this upcoming Tri-Cities community event looks to be unlike any others in recent memory.

Inspired by the popular television dance competition, CASA Kane County is hosting “Dancing with the Local Stars” on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles.

The nonprofit foster care advocacy organization is promoting the inaugural event as an unforgettable evening of entertainment, inspiration, and local impact. It will feature 11 recognizable community leaders from the Fox Valley area, including business professionals, educators, public servants, and local personalities who will compete to raise funds for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.

CASA Kane County is partnering with The Dance Lab, a St. Charles-based business that was recently named Best Dance Studio and School in the 2026 Kane County Chronicle Readers' Choice Awards. The Dance Lab's instructors volunteered to coach each community star to help them get the hang of ballroom dancing.

Organizers say the event will faetuer dance performances, audience participation, friendly competition, and plenty of surprises.

"When our community steps onto the dance floor, children in foster care take a step toward hope," said Jim Di Ciaula, Executive Director of CASA Kane County. "Every dollar raised helps us recruit, train, and support volunteer advocates who stand beside children navigating the foster care system and ensure their voices are heard."

Here’s a list of the local celebrity dancers:

In the weeks leading up to the event, dancers are competing to raise the most funds for CASA Kane County. The organization encourages community members to support their favorite participant through donations and online voting.

Funds raised through Dancing with the Local Stars will directly support CASA Kane County's mission of advocating for children in foster care. CASA volunteers are specially trained community members appointed by judges to serve as the voice for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, helping ensure they have the support, stability, and resources needed to thrive.

Visit the event page to get involved, donate, vote or register for the event.

CASA Kane County is a nonprofit organization committed to serving the best interests of children in foster care through the advocacy of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers that supports more than 600 children annually.

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.

Not signed up yet? Subscribe here.