Historic Night and Record Impact:

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – One of the most impactful and inspiring events in its history unfolded at the 6th Annual Dancing With the DeKalb Stars (DWDS), raising $54,242.00 for domestic violence survivor support services with donations still coming in. Hosted by the DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office, led by Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling, proceeds benefit the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence and the International Women’s House. This year’s event delivered historic milestones, including the first-ever tie for First Place and one of the highest fundraising totals in the event’s history… all while reinforcing the #NotInMyDeKalb campaign to affirm that domestic violence has no place in our community.

History Made on the Dance Floor
For the first time in the history of Dancing With the DeKalb Stars, two teams shared the top honor.

First Place (Tie Winners): Team 8, Battalion Chief Annette Haygood and Thaddeaus, and Team
10, Dance and Celebrity Choreographer and Professional skate coach Kamille Gilmore and On-Screen Personality & Pro Roller Skater Kyle Dutcher, also known as Push from the Silver Fox Squad.
Second Place: DeKalb County Commissioner LaDena Bolton and her Chief of Staff Lavezza
Zanders-Johnson.
Third Place: Principal Dr. Keith Jones and Dance Instructor Dominique Saunders from DeKalb School of the Arts.

People’s Choice Award Honors Top Fundraisers
The People’s Choice Award, presented to the team that raised the most individual funds, was awarded to Team 7, WSB-TV Investigative News Reporter Mark Winne and Choreographer, Ms. Lily Bryant.

Celebrating This Year’s Stars and Judges
The 6th Annual Dancing With the DeKalb Stars featured an outstanding lineup of community leaders, public servants, and performers who took the stage in support of domestic violence survivors.

Judges for the Evening Included:

Dr. Maria Boynton, News Brand Manager and Public Affairs Director for Audacy Atlanta, journalist, and recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

Councilman Roger Orlando, City of Tucker Councilmember and veteran trial lawyer with nearly four decades of legal experience

Mrs. Bianca Hamilton, Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator for DeKalb County School District and award-winning educational leader

Participating Dance Teams Included:

• Team 1 – Cicely Adams & Mr. Jun “JT” Kim
• Team 2 – Commissioner LaDena Bolton & Chief of Staff Lavezza Zanders-Johnson
• Team 3 – Jennifer Neal Clark & Marcel Brown
• Team 4 – WSB-TV’s Bill Crane & Tanika Vincent
• Team 5 – Sindy Guerrero-Williams & Fabian Williams
• Team 6 – Dr. Keith Jones & Dominique Saunders from DeKalb School of the Arts
• Team 7 – WSB-TV’s Mark Winne & Ms. Lily Bryant (People’s Choice Award Winner)
• Team 8 – Annette Haygood & Thaddeaus (First Place Tie Winner)
• Team 9 – 100 Black Men’s Troy Vincent & Autumn Dawn
• Team 10 – Kamille Gilmore & Kyle Dutcher, also known as “Push” (First Place Tie Winner)

A Community Effort with Lasting Impact

The event was powered entirely by community support. Staff from the Solicitor-General’s Office served as volunteers, performing in the opening act and supporting event operations throughout the evening. Community leaders, businesses, and partners contributed through sponsorships, donations, and in-kind services. Sponsors such as Charlene Fang with the Atlanta Taiwanese Women Association/Global Federation of Chinese Business Women have supported since the very first DWDS. Additional support came from Comedian/Actor/Superstar Chris Tucker and numerous community partners. Media outlets like The Champion Newspaper helped elevate event exposure and in-kind contributions were provided by The Bryant Group for videography and photography. “We are incredibly grateful for every single donation made through this event,” said Jennifer Neal Clark, Executive Director of the International Women’s House. “I see firsthand how these resources change lives. Each contribution helps provide safety, support, and a path forward for survivors. This community’s generosity truly makes a difference.”

A Tribute That Came Full Circle

This year’s Dancing With the DeKalb Stars was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Thomas L. Coleman, whose love for the event made the evening especially meaningful. “My father loved this event because it brought people together for a greater purpose,” said Coleman-Stribling. “To see the community show up in such a powerful way, during such a difficult time, reminds me that his spirit and guidance are still with me.” While the performances energized the audience, the mission remained at the forefront: supporting survivors of domestic violence and reinforcing the message #NotInMyDeKalb. The success of DWDS 2026 reflects the strength of our community and continues to grow with each donation. Every participant dedicated their time, energy, and creativity to support a cause greater than themselves, helping to raise both awareness and critical funding for survivors across DeKalb County.