The heart and sole of the community

Step lively to snag tickets to Dancing with the Coastal Stars, the signature fund-raiser for Samaritan House Family Shelter, returning to the Newport Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Dancing with the Coastal Stars pairs local couples — most with no prior dance experience — with professional coaches to learn and perform choreographed routines live on stage. Participants compete for the Judges’ Award, the People’s Choice Award and the Fundraising Award, with each couple raising money in support of Samaritan House in the weeks leading up to the event.

This year’s couples are Andrea Formo and Andrew Melzer, Ashley and Cameron Garner, Kristi and Bill Cline, Martha Varo Cornejo and Enrique Valdivia Leon, Nina Vetter and Justin Stokes and Seanna and Zack Dahl.

The show marks a major comeback for the event, last held in pre-pandemic 2019, and is expected to draw a packed house. All proceeds directly support Samaritan House programs, including safe transitional housing and childcare for families experiencing homelessness or severe instability.

In addition to tickets, sponsorships ranging from $500 to $5,000 are available, which come with perks like ticket bundles and ad space in the event program.

Tickets are $64.50 reserved seating and one People's Choice vote.

Due to rising living costs, job losses and shrinking public resources, more families in Lincoln County are at risk of homelessness than ever before. Samaritan House has seen an alarming increase in the need for housing, support services and childcare.

At the same time, the organization is facing a loss of critical funding that has long supported its childcare program, a lifeline for working families navigating crisis, poverty, housing insecurity or recovery. Without accessible and affordable care, parents are left with limited options for their children, placing employment and stability at risk.

"In the 14 years I've been with the Samaritan House I've had the privilege of watching countless families get back on their feet and be self-sufficient,” said Charles Jesse, Samaritan House’s deputy director. “Through the Samaritan House program and the great staff, families have learned about finances, community housing and other skills that can benefit for a lifetime."

Guests at the November 1 event will also have the opportunity to participate in a virtual paddle raise, and to learn more about the growing challenges facing families in Lincoln County and how Samaritan House is responding.

The event begins at 7 pm at the Newport Performing Arts Center, located at 777 W. Olive Street

For tickets and more information, including dancer bios and photos, go to samfamshelter.org.