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Embrace Families’ annual Dance, Dream & Inspire event raises more than $200k for local foster kids

ORLANDO, Fla. — Dance, Dream and Inspire is one of Central Florida’s most cherished fundraising events.

The 2022 event, which included Channel 9 Sports Anchor Joe Kepner, raised more than $200.000 for Embrace Families, an organization that helps support local children through foster care, adoption and mentoring.

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A community of dancers, judges, and charitable individuals gathered Saturday at Hard Rock Live Orlando for the event.

Together, they raised more than $200,000 for their cause, easily surpassing their original goal of $180,000.

“They’ve done an excellent job helping us just bring awareness to the reality that we have children right here among us in Central Florida who aren’t really sure where their forever home is,” Embrace Families President and CEO Glen Casel said.

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To professional dancers like Hannah Pickard of Dance It Studio, the event wouldn’t be possible without each of them giving their time, energy and passion.

Sarah Hohman took home this year’s mirror ball trophy, but each of the contenders would have been worthy champions.

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It’s also not too late to get involved, as Embrace Families is still accepting donations.

For more information, or to donate, click here.

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Joe Kepner

Joe Kepner, WFTV.com

I unloaded the U-Haul in Orlando in 2008, just in time to cover the Magic's run to the 2009 NBA Finals.

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