Thanks to our sponsors, donors, guests, volunteers, and dancers for helping us exceed our goal. Your support allows us to continue to offer our peer support services completely free for grieving children in Connecticut.
Meet Your Emcees
Ron Claiborne retired from ABC News in 2018 after 32 years as a national and international news correspondent. He was also the news anchor of the weekend edition of Good Morning America for 14 years until his retirement.
As an ABC correspondent, he reported for World News Tonight, Good Morning America and Nightline.
We are honored to have Ron Claiborne Emcee this event!
Bill is the President of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, and will be our Master of Ceremonies at this years event. He is a singer with the Valley Soul Gospel Choir, enjoys playing piano, singing Karaoke, running, biking, and, of course, dancing.
He was also a contestant in 2019 inaugural DWTS to Benefit Adam's House, dancing to "Singing In The Rain." Don't miss Bill as emcee for this year's event.
Ron Claiborne
Bill Purcell
"Dancing with The Stars To Benefit Adam's House"
2021 Cast
Jill Rutsky and Stefan Zuber
Jill Rutsky and her twins, Jake and Carly (17) and her daughter Jaden (14) are Alumni of our very first “Helping Hearts Heal'' program in 2018. With a long career in showbiz, Jill is sure to rock this competition! She is the lead singer in “The Jill Sky Band” and has toured and performed with various artists across the tri-state area, including an off-Broadway Show! Jill lives with her children and two dogs in Weston.
Stefan Zuber has been a ballroom dancer for 20 years and a teacher for the past 12 years. He is a National and International finalist in 10 dances, and several time Champion of regional competitions of 10 dance styles in Serbia. He has been with Fred Astaire Dance Studios for 6 years, currently in Trumbull. Stefan was the 2019 winner of both the Judges Choice and People’s Choice Awards DWTS to Benefit Adam’s House.
Congrats to Jill and Stefan as our 2021 People's Choice
and Judge's Choice Winners!
Loni Richards and Nenad Pavlovic
Loni is a highly decorated Navy veteran with a BS from the United States Naval Academy and is the CEO & President of the veteran founded non-profit, Service After Service in Shelton. She is also a model, actress and producer. Loni sits on numerous local boards, as well as the Veteran Advisory Board for Senator Chris Murphy. Loni is a founding member of the Connecticut Fairfield and New Haven Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers.
Nenad started dancing at the age of 13 which is a very late start in this industry. He is licensed as a barber in his home country of Serbia and is a self-proclaimed "huge history buff". Nenad will be representing Fred Astaire, Orange, our reigning Adam's House Dancing With The Stars 2019 Champion studio.
Paul Tavaras and Allyson Bettini
Paul Tavaras is a lifelong Stratford Resident, a retired Hamden Firefighter/ EMT, and a member of the Stratford Town Council and the Stratford Rotary, among many other organizations. He is also a lifelong dancer. In fact, he met his wife of 6 years, Stacie, dancing! He runs two businesses, has a daughter who lives in Boston and is a world traveler.
Allyson started dancing at Age 3 and began assisting teaching by 12 in the areas of tap, ballet and jazz. She danced through High School and College and was president of her dance team at Western CT State University. She joined Fed Astaire Hamden in 2003, teaching and competing with her students in ballroom and Latin styles of dance and is certified through Bronze Level of Competing. Allyson loves to bring the art and love of dance to students of all ages, and is excited to share her experiences and passion with Paul during this wonderful event. Allyson works full time as a Compliance Specialist for the CT State Judicial Branch and is a proud mom to her 12 year old daughter.
Katie Skoronski and Eric Turcio
Katie Skoronski and her family own the KFC Restaurant in Derby since 1969 and have been huge supporters of Adam’s House for many years. Her Great uncle played for the Green Bay Packers under Vince Lombardi and was in the first two Super Bowls! She is a descendant of Sandro Botticelli, who contributed to the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.
Eric Turcio started dancing at age 5 and is currently with the Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Hamden. Eric has also anchored and reported for major TV news networks. In addition to TV broadcasting, and dancing he is also a Nationally and Internationally acclaimed spiritual medium, helping people connect with their departed loved ones.
Charles Stango and Amanda Meador
Charles M. Stango is the Supervisory Assistant State's Attorney at the Milford State’s Attorney's Office. By his own admission, he is “The worst dancer in my family.” However, he does love performing arts because he has seen Saturday Night Fever at least 15 times and does a great deal of community theater. Chuck lives in Middlebury with his wife, Melissa, and two daughters, Kathleen, 22, and Lauren, 20. His family is very amused that he is polishing his dancing shoes to participate in this year's Dancing with the Stars!
Amanda Meador is representing Fred Astaire Canton. Amanda has moved over 16 times in her life! She has a 30lb. Maine Coon cat, and is also a personal trainer and group fitness instructor.
George Logan and Lydianna Vega
George is the Director of Community Relations at Aquarion Water Co., the largest private water utility in the state. He has spent most of his professional life working through the ranks, where he learned every aspect of providing clean drinking water to customers. Mr. Logan recently completed two terms (2017-2021) as State Senator representing the 17th District. In addition to creating and performing music during his spare time, over the last 25+ years, George has devoted time to various community-based causes throughout CT. He has served as a girls’ basketball coach for his daughter’s middle school and currently serves on numerous local boards.
Lydianna started dancing at age 3 with her father as her partner. She inspects astronaut suits before they are sold to NASA! Although she is an extrovert, Lydianna enjoys silence in her personal time. She will be representing Fred Astaire, Orange, our reigning Adam's House Dancing With The Stars 2019 Champion studio.