VERO BEACH — The Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition raised a record $668,000 at its 2026 Dancing with Vero Stars event on May 16 at Riverside Theatre.
Paige Charbonneau was named the winner following her performance and solid community support. Ryan Scarpa finished first runner-up, and Melissa Zorc placed second. The winner is selected through the event’s standard competition ranking.
Ryan Scarpa led individual fundraising with more than $227,000 — the highest amount raised by any single dancer in the event’s history. Rob Vaccaro raised more than $116,000. Tina McCurry received the Kathie Pierce Style Icon award for best dressed.
The other dancers — Susan Adams, Brian Hayes, Brandy Bucker, David Imler, and Justin Stolaj — also delivered strong performances and fundraising efforts that helped drive the total higher.
“We are truly overwhelmed by the generosity of this community,” said Megan McFall, chief executive officer of the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition. “Every dancer, sponsor, donor, volunteer, and attendee, along with our valued partners at Riverside Theatre, played an important role in making this our most successful event ever. The funds raised will directly support critical services for local families and strengthen our ability to continue improving maternal and infant health outcomes throughout Indian River County.”
Proceeds support the coalition’s programs, including maternity navigation, home visiting, childbirth education, lactation support, doula services, and fatherhood programming.
The Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition works to improve birth outcomes and strengthen families through local partnerships and direct services for moms, babies, and young children in the county.
