We're excited to participate in Bailando con las Estrellas 2025, a dance competition fundraiser supporting the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center. We need your support to make an impact! 

Why are you fundraising for Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center?

Samantha: ChesMRC is a pivotal organization within our community. They have helped countless families transition into their new reality. I’m honored to help their efforts in raising funds in these especially difficult times. 

Brenda: ChesMRC provides critical services to our immigrant and refugee community. They once helped a family friend through a crisis, so I’m happy to embarrass myself onstage to raise funds and awareness of the transformative work they do!

But with increased ICE detainments disrupting our community, is a dance party really appropriate?

Brenda: I understand why it might feel that way. But I believe that cultivating joy can be an act of resistance, a source of strength, and a contagion for empathy and social change.

Samantha: I continue to struggle with holding both feelings of JOY and turmoil over the struggles our Latino Communities continue to face. I was recently reminded that we must continue to use our platform and resources to elevate our stories and strength. 

Where did your family immigrate from?

Samantha: I am a proud daughter of immigrants. My father migrated here from El Salvador, fleeing a civil war that took the lives of thousands of Salvadorans. My mother migrated here from Mexico, along with my grandparents, with the promise of gaining their citizenship through my grandfather’s employer. El Salvador has recently become our second home, ensuring our daughters are immersed in our culture and native language. 

Brenda: My forebears immigrated from Ireland, Finland, and Estonia. Here on the Eastern Shore, where there’s a Come-Here vs. From-Here rivalry, it’s worth remembering that all White people are, in fact, Come-Heres.

Here's how you can help support us and ChesMRC:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. Every dollar counts!
• Buy Tickets: Join us for the live event on Saturday, September 27th, 7 pm, at the Avalon Theater in Easton!
• Become an Event Sponsor: Enjoy awesome advertising benefits, and your sponsorship dollars go toward our team's total!
• Spread the Word: Share our fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!

Thank you so much for your support!