Local

Embrace Families’ annual Dance, Dream & Inspire event raises more than $200k for local foster kids

ORLANDO, Fla. — Dance, Dream and Inspire is one of Central Florida’s most cherished fundraising events.

The 2022 event, which included Channel 9 Sports Anchor Joe Kepner, raised more than $200.000 for Embrace Families, an organization that helps support local children through foster care, adoption and mentoring.

READ: Surveillance video released of deputy-involved shooting outside Osceola County Target

A community of dancers, judges, and charitable individuals gathered Saturday at Hard Rock Live Orlando for the event.

Together, they raised more than $200,000 for their cause, easily surpassing their original goal of $180,000.

“They’ve done an excellent job helping us just bring awareness to the reality that we have children right here among us in Central Florida who aren’t really sure where their forever home is,” Embrace Families President and CEO Glen Casel said.

READ: Orange County job fair to address youth sports referee shortage

To professional dancers like Hannah Pickard of Dance It Studio, the event wouldn’t be possible without each of them giving their time, energy and passion.

Sarah Hohman took home this year’s mirror ball trophy, but each of the contenders would have been worthy champions.

READ: Seminole County museum honoring historic Black community expanding to new location

It’s also not too late to get involved, as Embrace Families is still accepting donations.

For more information, or to donate, click here.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Joe Kepner

Joe Kepner, WFTV.com

I unloaded the U-Haul in Orlando in 2008, just in time to cover the Magic's run to the 2009 NBA Finals.