Carolina Theatre of Durham brings in more than $230,000 during its Annual Fundraiser

“Dancing With The Carolina Stars: Into The Groove” raised record-breaking funds for the historic theater
 

DURHAM, NC — June 25, 2025 —  “Dancing With The Carolina Stars: Into The Groove,” the Carolina Theatre of Durham’s annual fundraiser, secured $231,408 in funding to support the historic nonprofit theater’s mission and assist in preparation for its centennial celebration in 2026.  

In its fourth year, the charity event also achieved its highest turnout ever, with more than 400 guests in attendance. 

“We are incredibly grateful to all those who attended, our sponsors, stars and dancers, performers, local businesses, staff, board, and volunteers who made this unforgettable evening possible. The community came together to demonstrate their enthusiasm and support for the theater as a hub for the arts in Durham by raising a record amount of funds. With this generosity, we will continue to produce programming through our centennial in 2026 and beyond and broaden the ways the theater can support our community,” said Randy McKay, President & CEO of the Carolina Theatre. 

“Dancing With The Carolina Stars: Into The Groove” opened with a lively welcome reception and performances from Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams, Durham Bulls mascot, Wool E. Bull, and former Durham Beaver Queen, Pain Fonda. The main event showcased a dance competition featuring local celebrities paired with professional dancers, where attendees voted for their favorite performances with their dollars, with all proceeds supporting the nonprofit theater.

This year’s local celebrities included Susan Ross, Strategic Advisor & Co-Founder of moss+ross; Angelique Stallings, Vice President of Community Investment at the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce; Kristine Wylie, President & General Manager of Jewelsmith; Adam Dickinson, Broker & Co-Founder of Adam Dickinson Realty Group at Nest Realty; Jodi Myers, Duke Certified Health & Well-Being Coach and Owner of Virge Yoga; and Cecilia ‘Cecy’ Henaine de Davis, Owner of Cecy’s Gallery & Studios. 

Opportunities to win exclusive experiences and incredible prizes through live auctions and raffles were sprinkled into the performances.    

Live auction items included a year of live shows at the Carolina Theatre and dining out in Durham; a day in the owner’s private suite at Durham Bulls Park; a private dinner party for six catered by Durham chef, Queen Precious-Jewel; a private Retro Film Party screening hosted by Senior Director of Film, Jim Carl and catered by Dame’s Chicken & Waffles; a cocktail party at Teer Farm catered by Chef Paris of Durham; a custom jewelry design experience at Jewelsmith; a staycation retreat at Bahama Bluebs Farm; and a travel package with a choice of five international destinations. 

Local businesses such as The Durham Hotel, Virge Yoga, The Museum of Life and Science, Sauna House, Flying Bull Brewery, Alley Twenty Six, DSSOVLR, Aaktun, The Velvet Hippo, Missy Lane’s, Lula and Sadies, and more contributed to six themed raffle baskets featuring hospitality, culinary, wellness, and recreational experiences around Durham. 

All those in attendance also had the opportunity to dedicate one of the newly renovated seats in the theater’s orchestra section for a donation of $1,000. Details are coming soon about a variety of seat naming opportunities in Fletcher Hall to help support the theater’s centennial campaign in 2026. 

The night concluded with Jodi Myers and her professional dance partner José Velasquez being crowned the winners, followed by an unforgettable after-party with enticing live music from The Phoebe’s and a chance for attendees to mingle with the Stars.

To support the Carolina Theatre, visit carolinatheatre.org to donate. 

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About The Carolina Theatre of Durham: 

Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which manages the city-owned Carolina Theatre at 309 W. Morgan Street, Durham, NC 27701. Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. is dedicated to presenting vibrant, thought-provoking film and live performances that contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of downtown Durham and the Triangle Region. More information at carolinatheatre.org. 

Contact:
Hanna Mercer
Senior Director of Marketing, Carolina Theatre of Durham
(919) 560-3040 | hanna@carolinatheatre.org