15th Anniversary of Dancing with the Stars of Casper Lights Up Casper

When Jenniey Elliott, communications director of Mercer Family Resource Center announced that Dancing with the Stars of Casper Ford Wyoming Center, Casper, Wyoming will celebrate its 15th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. MDT. The two‑hour fundraiser pits local Casper residents, paired with professional dance instructors, in a spirited competition that fuels the nonprofit’s family‑strengthening services across Natrona County.

Historical Background

Since the inaugural night of twirling in 2011, the event has become a Casper institution. Each year a fresh theme spices up the floor – “Music Video Night” in 2024, “Elvis Night” in 2023, “Through the Decades” in 2022, and even a “Villains” showdown in 2021. Those themed evenings aren’t just for show; they keep volunteers engaged, attract fresh sponsors, and give the audience something to look forward to beyond the choreography. Over the past decade, the dance‑off has raised enough to keep more than a dozen programs running, from mental‑health first aid classes to the Natrona County Prevention Coalition.

Event Details and Ticket Info

Doors swing open at the Ford Wyoming Center at 5:30 p.m.; the competition wraps up by 7:00 p.m., leaving plenty of time for a post‑show mingle. Early‑bird tickets, priced at $25, go on sale May 25, 2025, through the center’s website www.mercercasper.com. General admission sits at $30, while corporate sponsorship packages start at $500 and include logo placement on the stage backdrop and a shout‑out during the intermission.

The venue itself, a 5,000‑seat arena nestled in Natrona County, has hosted everything from concerts to trade shows. Its spacious floor makes for an ideal dance‑floor, and the state‑of‑the‑art lighting system promises to turn even the shyest shuffle into a spotlight moment.

Community Impact and Programs Supported

Every ticket sold, every sponsorship signed, funnels directly into the Mercer Family Resource Center’s sprawling menu of services. Below is a snapshot of the flagship programs that benefit from the night’s proceeds:

• Adult Drug and Alcohol Education – free workshops for over 500 adults each year.
• CHINS (Child In Need of Supervision) – crisis intervention for at‑risk youth.
• Family & Parenting Programs – weekly classes that serve more than 300 families.
• Mental Health First Aid – training that equips community members to spot early signs of distress.
• Youth Empowerment Council – a peer‑led forum shaping policies for local schools.

In short, the dance floor fuels classrooms, counseling rooms, and community meetings across the county.

Voices from Organizers and Participants

"We’re thrilled to mark fifteen years of community dance and support," said Jenniey Elliott in the announcement. "The energy these volunteers bring is contagious, and the funds raised keep vital services alive for families that need them most."

A longtime participant, who asked to remain anonymous, added, "I’ve been dancing since 2014; it’s the highlight of my year. Not only do you get to learn new steps, you know every spin helps a neighbor in crisis."

John Miller, events manager at the Ford Wyoming Center, noted, "The synergy between the venue and the nonprofit is palpable. Our staff is already coordinating lighting cues and seating plans to make sure the night runs smoothly."

Looking Ahead

The 15th anniversary is more than a milestone; it’s a springboard. Organizers hinted at a “Community Heroes” theme for 2026, where participants will represent local service organizations on the floor. Meanwhile, the Center is exploring a hybrid‑online component that would let folks who can’t travel to Casper watch live streams and donate in real time.

Whether you’re a seasoned jitterbugger or a first‑time attendee, the upcoming night promises a blend of glitter, goodwill, and good‑old Casper spirit. As the calendar flips to October, the city’s dance studios are buzzing, and the anticipation is almost as tangible as the beat that will soon fill the Ford Wyoming Center.