Dancing with the Stars Returns March 11 to The Phoenician

On Saturday, March 11, the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona’s signature gala, Dancing with the Stars, returns to The Phoenician Resort. Co-chaired by Kristin Hartman & Valerie Pesch, this long-running dance competition will feature Arizona’s community superstars partnered with professional dance instructors for an evening of entertainment and fundraising for a good cause – patient services and programs of the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona (NFK AZ).

This year’s Class of 2023 Celebrity Star Dancers include:

Cathy Carlisle – Program Manager, Creighton Middle School Maggie Ethier, Community Philanthropist Dr. Brantley Gaitan – Anesthesiologist, Mayo Clinic Ryan Grovey – Owner, Grovey Effect Jerry Hirsch – Community Philanthropist, Founder of The Lodestar Foundation Holly Marcus – Realtor, Liv AZ Real Estate Group Dr. Katie Martin – Periodontist, Saguaro Periodontics and Implant Dentistry

Jill Merrion – Community Philanthropist, Kidney Recipient Sidney Ocansey – Community Advocate Dr. Sara Shihab – Internal Medicine Specialist, Mayo Clinic Amber Wanger – Owner, Glo By Amber

NKF AZ will also be honoring Tom and Shauna Connelly on the night of the gala with the Guiding Star Award. This award honors the few who have shown exemplary leadership and passion in their philanthropic work for the foundation and whose dedication has made a significant impact in the future of the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona. The award recognizes those who have given not only their time and energy, but their hearts and vision, to the mission of the foundation and the Arizona kidney community.

To learn more about the event, to purchase tickets or to donate to the cause, visit: www.azkidney.org/dance.