Dancing Event Breaks Fundraising Records

from Home on the Horizon - Safe Haven Newsletter Q1|Q2 2023

Fun, Adventure and Enrichment for Children

The dance floor was on fire at the 14th Annual Dancing for Safe Haven event! From the disco inferno opening number performed by the Ballroom of Nashville professional dancers to the heated competition of our six Nashville stars, the kicks, lifts and twirls kept everyone cheering for the dancers and for Safe Haven’s mission. This record-breaking event raised nearly $1.3 million, and the funds raised will help us serve more families experiencing homelessness in 2023. Sandi Borchetta took home the Fundraising Favorite award, setting a new record for securing six presenting sponsorships—the most ever obtained by one dancer in event history. She also set a new record for the most funds raised by a dancer--$500,000 for Safe Haven’s mission. Dancer Paul Novak received recognition as well for raising over $220,000 for families experiencing homelessness. Gerell Webb dazzled the crowd with a Miami-inspired Latin number, taking home the Audience Favorite award. Sandi Borchetta took the dance floor to close the show and secured a second title, Judges’ Favorite award, with a high-energy and creative performance with surprises at every turn.

Special thanks to Stephen Hill, Brock Slagle and Bradford VanDemark of BlueSky Filmworks for another year of sponsoring and providing outstanding production! We also want to recognize the Ballroom of Nashville professional dancers for their generosity and continued support of this event.

The 2023 Hero Award winner was Pat McDonald, PhD, a supporter who was involved in the implementation of Safe Haven as an organization. Her passion, impact and unwavering commitment are woven into the fabric of Safe Haven’s organizational history. Pat has made it her life’s work to invest in Safe Haven’s mission deeply and wholeheartedly. She has been a dear friend to Safe Haven’s staff, a loving supporter for our families, and a steadfast donor and volunteer for 40 years.

STAR DANCERS: Sandi Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group (Judges’ Favorite and Fundraising Favorite); Hal Cato, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee; Tonya Mitchem Grindon, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC; Shannan Hatch, SESAC; Paul Novak, Community Health Systems; and Gerell Webb, itrain365 Fitness (Audience Favorite)