


A native of Vero Beach, Kerry
Bartlett feels blessed to have spent the majority of her professional career
working for the nonprofit sector. She sees Dancing with Vero’s Stars as an
opportunity for a personal adventure, while maintaining her professional
passion to serve the community. Currently, Kerry is the Executive Director
of the Indian River Community Foundation where she has the unique
opportunity to work directly with local and seasonal philanthropists helping
them understand both opportunities and vehicles through which their
charitable giving can be most successful. Kerry received her undergraduate
degree from the University of Florida and volunteers with the Treasure Coast
Gator Club as the co-chairman of the Club’s scholarship program. She also
earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern
University and carries the professional designation of Certified Fund
Raising Executive from the international fundraising accreditation body.
“I don’t have formal dance training, but as a young girl, my mother insisted
I go to cotillion classes at the Vero Beach Community Center. I am holding
out hope that some of the fancy footwork I learned will come flooding back
to memory…although at 5 foot 5” tall, I am familiar with the Cha Cha, Mambo
and Two Step. I am dedicating my dance to my three nieces, Caitlyn, Carly
and Ava. They are my inspiration and I want them to know that it is never
too late to expand your horizons.”

Born in St. Louis, MO, David W.
Busch was raised in Vero Beach. He attended St. Edward School and graduated
in 1997. He moved to Savannah, GA and immersed himself in a busy schedule at
the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where he received a degree in
fashion with a minor in photography. He interned with the Nike Group, which
eventually landed him the position of fashion stylist for a series of
commercials for the 2004 Olympics entitled Nike Olympic “Scary House.” After
graduation, David worked for the President of SCAD and traveled extensively
throughout Europe planning special events. Eventually returning to Vero
Beach to work, David became active with local charities including the Busch
Wildlife Sanctuary planning their events such as the tremendously successful
annual “Gala on the Wildside.” David, formerly an advisory member of the
Board of McKee Botanical Garden, David is currently working with the Indian
River Land Trust to help prevent urban sprawl. In addition to his role as
Consultant to his family’s business, Southern Eagle Distributing, David
remains the Creative Director of Low Country Luxe in Savannah GA, producing
luxury candles and scents found throughout the world.
“Being that I have had no formal dance experience, I am really looking
forward to the challenge of not only raising funds for an amazing
organization but learning how to put on a great show for the community. I am
honored to be a part of such a fun and exciting event!”

Dan Crisafulli is a 6 foot 1” tall Certified Horticultural Professional, who
has been the managing director of Rock City Gardens in Wabasso for four
years. He received a B.A. degree in history from Florida State University.
Dan serves on the city of Vero Beach Tree and Beautification Commission and
is a committee member of the Indian River Land Trust. In addition to
assisting non-profit organizations with their benefit events, Dan uses his
spare time enjoying jogging, biking, working in the yard, spending time with
his wife Samantha and two year old son Enzo as well as their two German
Shepherds. An interesting side note…Dan’s brother-in-law, super model Albert
Reed, was a contestant on ABC television’s Dancing with the Stars several
seasons ago. Women across the country were heartbroken when he was voted
off. Now it’s Dan’s turn!
“I have tried my hand at Salsa and am looking forward to being a front
runner in raising money for Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition. I
am counting on you and others in the community for support!”

Tony Della Porta moved to Vero Beach in 1983 and graduated from Vero Beach
High School in 1991. He attended The University of Florida and completed his
studies from the M.E. Rinker School of Building Construction. Tony is
currently the president and owner of Della Porta Construction Company, Inc.
performing both commercial and residential work. While driving west on
Beachland Boulevard, it is difficult to miss their recent exterior
renovations of The Beachland Plaza and the interior improvements at John
Michael Matthews Fine Jewelry at the same location. Congrats, they are
beautiful!
Tony keeps busy with local non profits as he sits on the board of Riverside
Children's Theater and on the board of the Ducks Unlimited Banquet.
“I became familiar with Healthy Start after our children were born and found
the services to be helpful, especially with our first born. I think it is an
organization residents should be aware of regardless if they have exposure
to its benefits.”

Rebecca Emmons was recently named as one of Vero’s “Top 40 under 40” by Vero
Life Magazine and is proud of it! She is a partner in the law firm Stewart,
Evans, Stewart & Emmons, P.A. and an active wife and mother of two while she
volunteers in several local organizations. In fact, while Rebecca trains to
dance for the Healthy Start Coalition’s big event, she will be co-chairing
the 2010 major fundraising event for the Children’s Home Society.
“I took dancing lessons 10 years ago and at 5 foot 4” tall, have dabbled in
doing the Waltz, Foxtrot and Salsa. But… I believe I can learn anything!”

Cheryl Gerstner’s love of dance started early in life….at age 2 ½ as a
ballerina! That love for dance is found today through her role as a 5 foot
8” tall aerobics instructor. But Cheryl’s true occupation is that of Broker
and one of the owners of Palm Pointe Realty. In addition to being a
full-time Realtor, Cheryl serves on several boards including the Humane
Society of Vero Beach, the Barrier Island Coalition, South Beach Property
Owners Association and Indian River County Beaches and Shores Committee.
“I am very excited to be a part of the second annual “Dancing with Vero’s
Stars.” Dancing with Vero’s Stars satisfies many things for me…a chance to
work with Vero’s own talented dance professionals and support the Indian
River County Healthy Start Coalition, both at the same time! I am excited
and honored to participate in this year’s exciting event.”

The shortest of all our nine dancers, 5 foot Annamarie Labella was born and
raised in Vero Beach, Her love for a big city led Annamarie to Boston where
she attended Northeastern University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in
Communication Studies and Public Relations. After four years, Annamarie
returned to sunny Vero Beach and began her professional career in marketing
and public relations for Riverside Theatre. After two years, she decided to
enter into the exciting world of event planning. Now in her fifth year, she
is currently the Event Director at Grand Harbor Country Club.
“I am extremely honored to be asked to participate in this amazing event and
thank everyone for their love and support.”

Brenda Lloyd may be one of the shortest dancers in the competition at 5 foot
1” tall, but she packs a lot of energy into her body and into her busy
schedule. Brenda is a Certified Paralegal with Robin Lloyd & Associates,
P.A. She is past President of the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Paralegal
Association of Florida, Inc., and currently sits on the Advisory Board for
the Paralegal Program at Indian River State College. Brenda has been active
in several local charities including serving on the Board of the American
Cancer Society and co-chairing their annual Citrus Gala and Cattle Baron’s
Ball. Brenda is also certified as a Personal Trainer.
“I believe that volunteering in my community is very important and
rewarding. There are several incredible organizations in our area that need
the assistance, including IRC Healthy Start Coalition. I feel very fortunate
that I am able to give in some way, no matter how big or small.”

A hospitality veteran with extensive operational and human resources
experience, Awilda Rivera was named General Manager of Costa d’Este Beach
Resort in November of 2008 by Benchmark Hospitality International. Awilda
Rivera was previously the general manager of Villas Caletón, Cap Cana of
Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. She held the same position for the
Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island off the southwest coast of Florida.
Originally from New York City, Awilda grew up around music all her life and
learned to express her deepest feelings through both song and dance.
“Now a career oriented, single mother of two beautiful young ladies, I
recently become aware of the Healthy Start Coalition when my newlywed
daughter announced that she would making me a grandmother in April of 2010.
An exciting time and a worthy cause, I was compelled to combine my passion
for the arts and love for children for such a time as this”
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