Dancing with Vero

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”