Dancing for Safe Haven Brings Philanthropy and Performance to the Dance Floor

Following the latest season kickoff of Dancing With the Stars, Nashville philanthropists gathered for a showstopping spectacle of their own — the 16th annual Dancing for Safe Haven. The beloved event pairs community members with professional dancers for awe-inspiring performances, all while raising crucial funds for Safe Haven Family Shelter. 

For 37 years, Safe Haven has equipped unhoused families with resources — like shelter, trauma-informed care and educational programming — that help them escape poverty and lead fulfilling lives. The organization’s housing-first model relies on wraparound shelter services and partnerships with landlords to help secure homes for those in need — and keep families together. 

This year’s Dancing for Safe Haven — put on by chairs Beth White, Joshua Mundy and Tonya Mitchem Grindon — kept this mission front and center. Judge and former Dancing for Safe Haven performer Carolyn Smith Bryant interviewed Grecia DeValle, a Safe Haven client and single mom from Puerto Rico, who shared how the organization helped her secure housing and made her “feel like a person.” 

Hosts Danielle Breezy and Tom Riles urged guests to participate in the auction. And participate, they did — the night garnered an impressive $720,000.

After much anticipation, it was time for dancing. This year’s lineup included Patrice Bordron, Betsy Bryant, Benny Cunningham, Angie Lawless and Maria Recio. A stellar judges panel — featuring Joshua, Carolyn, Heather Byrd, Shabaz Chijioke Ujima and Christopher Wayne — evaluated each act. 

The performers displayed impressive kicks, jumps and lifts, moving with precision and synchronicity. Lively guests brought cardboard cutouts of their favorite dancers, and Patrice’s colleagues even threw roses onto the dance floor after his engrossing tango performance. 

After the competition, the Safe Haven Dance Team performed at the event for the very first time, line dancing to a country medley. After much deliberation, Benny was named the judges’ favorite, while Patrice was selected as the audience favorite.