Windsor, Ontario -- Dennis Carlini won the grand champion title at Windsor's 2025 Dancing with Easter Seals Stars on Friday, November 28.
The CARSTAR MSO owner competed with professional partner Dalyce McManus. During their 2.5 minute performance, which was set to the song And All that Jazz from the musical Chicago, the pair swiveled and shimmied their way into the audiences' hearts.
The annual gala raised $225,000 to support children and youth with physical disabilities. Ten couples competed in the event, which pairs local participants with professional dancers. Carlini and McManus managed to add $35,000 to the fundraising total through sponsorship and voting.
For Carlini, the cause is personal. Easter Seals has supported his now-grown son, Lucas. Carlini operates five CARSTAR facilities in Southwestern Ontario through the Carlini Group.
Leading up to the event, he met with McManus once or twice a week to practice their two-minute and fifty-second routine. CARSTAR donated $2,500 to the cause. Carlini pledged to match the first $5,000 raised through the charity voting system.
After the event he said, "What a great night the Windsor Easter Seals Dancing with the Stars Gala was last night! Windsor chapter raised $225,000 with 10 couples participating in the dancing."
He added, "My dance partner Dalyce and I won the Grand Champion best dancers." He described the response from supporters as overwhelming. "The generosity supporting me was overwhelming and I helped raised $35,000 in both voting and sponsorship," he said.
He also thanked those who promoted the fundraiser. "I would like to thank Collision Repair magazine for helping me get the word out," he noted.
The 2025 Windsor roster featured several community and business figures. Kathy DiBartolomeo, executive director of Amherstburg Community Services, represented the social-service sector. Retired restaurateur and current real-estate professional Joe Fallea also competed. The lineup included former nurse and University of Windsor medical student Sasha Dowhayko. Retired KPMG partner John Herhalt of Kingsville participated. CTV Windsor journalist Stefanie Masotti competed. Law-enforcement officer Tony Smith, who has SWAT experience, also took part. Health-care executive Bill Marra participated. Movement and Pilates instructor Renee Meloche, who has extensive experience in dance and wellness programming, rounded out the roster.
The gala followed the standard Dancing with Easter Seals Stars format. It included a cocktail hour and celebrity meet-and-greet, followed by a plated dinner, silent auction and live dance performances judged by a panel.
Funds raised support Easter Seals Ontario's mobility equipment grants, accessibility programs and family services.
