Signature fundraising event returns to Gypsum on July 14; celebrity dancer lineup revealed
The Vail Valley Foundation has revealed the 2026 celebrity dancer lineup for Youth Power’s annual Star Dancing Gala and announced that tickets are now on sale for the highly anticipated fundraising event. This year’s gala takes place on Tuesday, July 14, at 5:30 p.m. at Signature Aviation in Gypsum. Individual tickets and sponsored tables are available at stardancinggala.com.
The Star Dancing Gala is one of the largest fundraising events in the Eagle River Valley, raising critical funds in support of Youth Power’s mission to inspire, educate, and empower youth and families from early childhood to college and career readiness.
This year’s theme of “Bold Dreams. Vibrant Futures.” is an invitation to dream bigger and reach higher, celebrating the energy, creativity, and ambition of young people across the valley. At Youth Power, bold dreams take shape every day as students step forward as tomorrow’s leaders, creators, and innovators.
“The Star Dancing Gala is always one of the most memorable nights of our summer and reminds us just how much this community believes in its young people,” said Peter Barclay, Vice President of Philanthropy for the Vail Valley Foundation. “Year after year, this valley shows up with incredible generosity, and those dollars directly fuel the programs that are changing lives for kids and families across the Eagle River Valley. We can’t wait to celebrate that commitment alongside our dedicated donors and community members.”
The Star Dancing Gala will feature hors d’oeuvres, a plated dinner, cocktails, and personal wine selections, followed by a live auction and paddle raise. The centerpiece of the evening is a spectacular show featuring local celebrities partnering with professional dancers, with a dance party to close out the night.
Meet the 2026 Celebrity Dancers
Five community leaders will take to the dance floor this year, each putting on a spectacular live performance with a professional dance partner.
Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera (American Smooth) — Colorado’s 50th Lieutenant Governor, Dianne leads six state programs and has spent decades advocating for health care access, disability policy, and cancer screenings. A lifelong Coloradan and proud grandmother, she enjoys ballroom dancing in her free time, following in the footsteps of her father, who was still hitting the dance floor at 95.
Kellye O’Kelly (Salsa) — Kellye is the co-founder of Honed Studio, a Vail Valley-based interior design firm known for its warm, modern aesthetic. Originally from Texas, she developed a passion for the arts through dance early in life and has built a career creating high-end, deeply personal residential spaces across the valley.
David Hyde (Old School Hip Hop) — Owner and President of Shaeffer Hyde Construction, David has called the Vail Valley home for 20 years and is deeply committed to giving back through mentorship, apprenticeship programs, and community involvement. He serves on the Vail Valley Foundation Board, chairs the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater Committee, and sits on the Vilar Performing Arts Center Board.
Colby Wilson (Musical Theatre/Broadway) — A Vail Valley native and member of the Star Dancing Gala committee, Colby returned home after earning degrees in strategic communications and luxury brand management and spending three years working in London.
Adi Slifer (Jive) — A proud Vail native and daughter of valley pioneers Rod and Beth Slifer, Adi returned to her roots after a career in consulting, earning an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and spending seven years with DaVita Healthcare. She now serves as a broker with Slifer Smith & Frampton and joined the VVF Board of Directors in 2024.
“Growing up in the Vail Valley, I was shaped by a community that believed in every child’s potential. That is exactly what Youth Power does every single day, from early childhood all the way through college and career readiness,” Slifer said. “I am so honored to take the stage at this year’s Star Dancing Gala and to do my small part in supporting these kids and their futures. This valley has always shown up for its youth, and I cannot wait to celebrate that spirit with everyone in the room on July 14.”
Celebrating a Landmark Legacy
This year’s gala will also mark a historic milestone for one of Youth Power’s most steadfast partners. Gallegos will receive the Education Legacy Award in recognition of surpassing $1 million in cumulative giving to Youth Power — an honor that has been bestowed only a handful of times in the organization’s history.
“Gerald Gallegos built this company on a belief that a strong community invests in its people, especially its young people,” said Gary Woodworth, President and CEO of Gallegos. “Receiving the Education Legacy Award is a deeply meaningful honor. Gerald cared about creating opportunity and stability for local families, and supporting Youth Power is one of the most direct ways we can continue to carry that forward. In his memory, we remain committed to helping the youth of the Eagle River Valley build the kind of futures he always believed were possible.”
To purchase individual tickets or sponsored tables, and for more information on the 2026 Star Dancing Gala, visit stardancinggala.com.
Businesses and individuals interested in sponsorship opportunities for the Star Dancing Gala may contact [email protected] for more information. Sponsorships support Youth Power’s year-round programs serving youth and families across Eagle County.
For more information on Youth Power’s programs and impact, visit youthpowervvf.org.