‘Dancing with Our Stars’ event raises more than $400,000 for Lumina Alliance

Lumina Alliance’s annual “Lumina Nights: Dancing with Our Stars” fundraiser brought sold-out crowds to Paso Robles on May 1 and 2, raising more than $400,000 to support survivor services across San Luis Obispo County.

Held at Vina Robles Winery’s tasting room, the two-night event combined live dance performances, fundraising efforts and filmed presentations highlighting the organization’s work supporting survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence.

Attendees filled the venue throughout both evenings, participating in auction bidding, fundraising appeals and dance performances that mixed lighter moments with more serious reflections on survivor support services and recovery.

Of the more than $400,000 raised by the event overall, participating dancers collectively generating more than $115,000 toward the organization’s programs, according to Lumina Alliance.

The event drew participation from local government, business, law enforcement and nonprofit leaders across San Luis Obispo County.

Participants included local elected officials, business leaders and community members, among them Paso Robles City Councilmember Kris Beal, San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Bruce Gibson, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance CEO Joel Peterson, County of San Luis Obispo Public Information Specialist Jeanette Trompeter, Heather Muran and community members Ryan and Amber Blevins.

Trompeter was named Grand Champion after raising more than $26,000 in support of Lumina Alliance’s therapy program, according to the organization.

Beal received Fan Favorite honors for Saturday night after raising $21,930.

“I danced to support the Lumina Alliance emergency shelter program — the only one in our county,” Beal said. “At a time of crisis, every survivor deserves a safe, confidential and supportive refuge where they can begin their healing process.”

Peterson, who also serves as a Paso Robles Joint Unified School District trustee, said participating in the event pushed him outside his comfort zone, but the experience carried a larger purpose.

“Lumina Alliance is there for people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives,” Peterson said. “The organization provides a 24-hour crisis hotline and essential services for people in our community when they need help most.”

Peterson said he raised nearly $19,000 during the fundraiser.

Event spotlights Lumina Alliance programs

Throughout the evening, filmed presentations highlighted some of Lumina Alliance’s programs and partnerships, including counseling services, survivor advocacy, emergency shelter and coordination with law enforcement agencies.

Among those recognized during the event was San Luis Obispo Police Department Det. Hayden Warner, who received a Shining Light Ally Award connected to survivor support efforts and partnerships with Lumina Alliance.

Organizers also referenced the continuing prevalence of sexual and intimate partner violence and the growing need for survivor services locally and nationwide.

Lumina Alliance’s website cites national research showing more than one in three women have experienced rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.

During the event, Jennifer Adams, CEO of Lumina Alliance, described the fundraiser’s “Illuminate” theme as representing moments of realization and healing for survivors moving beyond violence and crisis.

“We have a right … to live safe, thriving lives,” Adams said during the presentation.

One of the evening’s additional recognitions included Lumina Alliance’s Shining Light Ally Award, presented to Chuck Inman Construction for support provided to survivors and organization programs.

Adams said the company once replaced a broken water heater at a survivor housing location the day after Christmas at no charge to the client.

The anecdote highlighted some of the behind-the-scenes needs often connected to emergency housing and survivor support services.

Lumina Alliance, formerly known as RISE, provides advocacy, prevention and support services for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence throughout San Luis Obispo County.

Services provided by the organization include crisis response, counseling, prevention education, legal advocacy, emergency shelter and transitional housing support for survivors and their families.

More information about Lumina Alliance services, including crisis response, shelter and counseling resources, is available at LuminaAlliance.org.