The Third Annual Dancing for The Lake charity event is a celebration of Big Bear Valley culture and entertainment that features local dignitaries dancing alongside professionals in a gala night of wine, food, silent auction and Ball Room Dance competition.
JULY 28TH, 2018 6:30pm – 11:00pm
40650 Village Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
All Proceeds to Benefit Big Bear Valley Charities. Only Not-For-Profit Organizations located in Big Bear Valley will be eligible to receive proceeds from Dancing for the Lake 2018.
Holiday Inn Resorts Executive Chef Brett Howard will cooking 3 different meals to include:
Caesar Salad
Rolls & Butter
Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie Cheese, Roasted Tomatoes, Roasted Artichoke
with garlic cream sauce
Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables
Chocolate Mousse Cake
Caesar Salad
Rolls & Butter
8oz. Sirloin topped with wild mushroom demi-glace
Twice Baked Potato, Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
Chocolate Mousse Cake
Caesar Salad
Rolls & Butter
Stuffed portobello mushroom with veggies and rice
Twice Baked Potato, Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
Chocolate Mousse Cake
Jonathan was born in San Diego, California and along with his four siblings was encouraged to “follow their bend in interests”, which ultimately led to his love for music, people, opportunities, and application of new skills in personal and Real Estate business activities. Talented as a musician and singer, he continues to bring enjoyment to people whenever his busy schedule allows performing. Dance, as he has learned since first picking it up in late 2017, is a natural complement to his love of music. Additionally, woodworking, rock climbing, camping, body building, traveling, art, and intimate dinners are high on his list of favorites. He is committed and married to the joy of his life, whom happens to be named, Joy. He has two wonderful children and loves spending time with his family whenever possible outside of his professional career.
Jonathan’s Charity Overview – I am dancing in support of The Lighthouse Project because I have seen the tremendous impact the organization has had on the lives of our Valley’s youth and students. For nearly 6 years, when I was younger, I had the privilege and honor of serving and inspiring youth as a staff member and councilor at a local church and camp. And with a passion for music myself, I love seeing The Lighthouse Project support our local Elementary Strings, Mountain Top Strings and Lighthouse Youth Orchestra programs.
Ali moved to Big Bear Lake in 2008 after meeting her now husband Clayton on a sorority ski trip. In 2011 she graduated from CSUSB with a degree in communications and mass media hoping to begin a career in broadcasting… but the universe had other plans. In 2013 she stumbled upon an incredible opportunity with The Tim Wood Group and has been a Realtor with them ever since. The group was proudly named ReMax Big Bear’s top real estate team in the valley for sales overall in 2017. But that wasn’t all that was in store for the year – In 2017 Ali and Clayton also became parents to their healthy boy/girl twins, Amelie June and Peyton Cash. In her free time (if she has any) Ali enjoys chasing her kids around, hiking, dancing, boating, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. At the early age of 4, Ali gravitated to dancing. It became her passion and spent 16 years studying and enjoying it. She is excited and honored to be included in this year’s competition.
Ali’s Charity Overview – I am dancing in support of Doves as my charitable cause for this year’s event. Their vision is simple “A community free of domestic violence.” Doves offers intervention, education and preventive services to those affected by domestic violence. Ali is proud to support and raise money for such an incredible and impactful organization.
Gus and Nancy met while living in Maui 22 years ago. In 2000, they moved to Big Bear Lake with their beautiful 2 year old daughter, Estefania, to take over El Jacalito Restaurant located under the Bowling Barn. With their extensive experience in the hospitality industry, they built up their little restaurant, moved to a larger location, had three more beautiful children (Mateo, Emiliano, and Raquel), and opened another restaurant (Hacienda Sports Bar & Grill)
More recently, they partnered in the opening of 572 Social Kitchen & Lounge, a trendy new concept in the Village.
He is finding ballroom dancing both fun and beneficial; and this is what they have to said about the event “this has been one of the most challenging and fun ways to raise money for our community.” They have been supporters of many local fundraising efforts and are proud to continue as they dance under the stars for our community.
Jose A Tapia has been a resident of Big Bear lake since 1995, after working for Sony Pictures, he came to Big Bear Lake, as part owner of Gold Mountain Manor Bed & Breakfast. After selling the Bed & Breakfast in 1998, he became a Realtor and has worked with the Bob Angilella Team at RE/MAX Big Bear since that time.
Jose is passionate about Big Bear Lake, and enjoying hiking and Marathon Running in which, he has accomplished 5 full Marathons, including Big Bear and Los Angels Marathons. In addition, he is passionate for helping others and reaching out to our community in Big Bear Lake via the food pantry at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church as an avid supporter. He is also a Labrador Retriever owner and is a supporter of ASPC and the Wounded Warriors Project.
Jose is originally from Michoacán, Mexico and is the oldest of 8 siblings. He loves his community of Big Bear Lake, his friends, family and his profession and always has a smile for all.
I am dancing for St. Josephs’ Food Pantry because of the wonderful work they do assisting Bear Valley families with the most vital of resources, food. St. Joseph’s runs their food pantry every Tuesday from 9-11am and serve between 40-120 families per week. No-one is ever turned away.
Megan is a native of Big Bear, born and raised and following her receiving her Bachelors of Social Work from Azusa Pacific University she began her career with LA County Department of Children & Family Services in South Los Angeles. Megan returned to Big Bear Lake in 2003, and in 2009 she became the Director of the Mom & Dad Project, a program assisting families with the challenges of modern parenthood. She has since received a Masters Degree in Administration and Management.
A faithful mother of two children, Luke, (13) and Kennedy, (9), (3 if you count Andy, her husband) she is balancing work and home extremely well. She maintains connection with their education, sports and music programs while ensuring that her staff is providing the needed family services of others. She is incredibly thankful for her husband Andy, who has always supported her hopes and dreams and to her children who give her the clear lens to see the hopes and dreams that motivate her.
If you ask Megan what she would like to be known for, the answer is always the same. I would like to be known as Andy’s wife, Luke and Kennedys mom and someone who believed she could make a difference in this world.
Megan is excited about participating in this year’s Dancing for the Lake competition, although she has ZERO dance experience, she is excited to dance with her husband Andy, not only in this competition but for life, and is thankful that they have had this very fun opportunity.
Megan’s charity overview: I am dancing in support of The Mom & Dad Project because I believe that child maltreatment is a serious public health problem with proven links to poor physical and mental health and negative changes to brain structure and development. It alters biological factors, reduces cognitive abilities and educational achievement and impairs psychosocial functioning.
The Mom & Dad Project is the only Parenting education and Family Resource Center located in Big Bear Valley and is a program run under the Bear Valley Community Healthcare District (BVCHD). The Mom & Dad Project’s mission is to provide full spectrum education and resources to anyone involved in raising a child.
Megan is passionate about early intervention, collaboration, health equity, maternal mental health, fatherlessness, and positive health outcomes for children. She has secured over 10 million dollars in grant funding for these programs in her community in the past 9 years.
Jo Ann has enjoyed living in Big Bear for the last 32 years. She’s been married to her husband Gary for 29 years and they have 2 daughters that both live in the San Diego area. She also has two wonderful grandkids! Jo Ann enjoys hanging out with family and friends as well as walking her dogs and riding her horse Lacy.
In 2004 Jo Ann purchased and successfully ran Big Bear Luxury Properties and has recently merged her vacation rental company with Destination Big Bear. Not only is she a busy businesswomen, she currently serves on Big Bear Visitor Bureau Board, Big Bear Vacation Rental Management Association Board and Los Vaqueros Board.
Jo Ann is dancing for Soroptimist International of Big Bear Valley, Inc. who is dedicated to improving the quality of lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. She has been a member for 10 years and has served as President for two. Jo Ann says she has seen firsthand the positive impact Soroptimist has had on women and girls, and on our entire community. Soroptimist gives scholarships and awards totaling over $20,000 every year! The money Jo Ann raises will go to Big Bear Elementary School to help fund their after school enrichment program.
Jo Ann is dedicating her dance to her Mom and Dad!