The Education Foundation of Lake County is preparing for its 20th anniversary of Stepping Out for Education, bringing a new twist to the annual fundraiser.

This year’s event, themed “Rock & Rhythm,” will take place at the Venetian Center in Leesburg on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, Aug. 1, featuring two nights of dance, community support and charitable giving.

Organizers are changing things up for the milestone year. Instead of the traditional six local celebrity dancers, this year’s lineup includes eight participants — four returning all-stars and four new “rising stars.”

The all-star dancers include Tyler Borowski of the Lake County tax collector’s office; Alise Morris of Lifestream Behavioral Center; Sharon Nobles of Nobles Marine and Frank Remsen of Remsen Family Law.

The rising star dancers include Fred Griffin Jr. of Touching Hearts Group Homes; Dr. Stephanie Luke of Lake County Schools; Christie Mysinger of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Cason Setzekorn of United Southern Bank.

Each dancer will complete 20 hours of professional ballroom instruction ahead of the competition. Guests attending the event will enjoy a four-course meal, wine and beer and the opportunity to vote for their favorite performers.

The evening will open with an encore performance from 2025 Mirror Ball winner Marlene Straughan, regional executive director for Region 1 with Lake County Schools. Professional judges will select top male and female dancers each night, while the overall 2026 Mirror Ball winner will be determined through a combination of judges’ scores and audience votes.

Proceeds from Stepping Out for Education support the Education Foundation of Lake County, benefiting teachers, students and innovative programs throughout the district.

Tickets will be available soon at edfoundationlake.com.