Signature event will also celebrate the organization’s 45th anniversary

Media Contact: Lucie Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; lucie@eafocus.com; 248.925.6726; Denise Figurski, Turning Point; dfigurski@turningpointmacomb.org; 248.890.0767

Mount Clemens, Mich. – April 2, 2025 – Ready. Set. Dance! Marking its 45th anniversary with new sponsors, dancers, and a new emcee, Erica Francis from Fox 2 Detroit, Turning Point is pleased to announce a special edition of its Stepping Out with the Stars gala on Friday, April 25. Turning Point is an agency whose mission is to empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources. It was founded in 1980 through grassroots community efforts, according to Sharman Davenport, Ph.D., Turning Point President and CEO.

“At its heart, Turning Point is a dynamic organization founded by a few Mt. Clemens residents in response to a glaringly unserved need in the community,” Davenport remarked. “From the basement of a church in Mt. Clemens, to one of Macomb County’s largest nonprofits, Turning Point’s efforts are now strongly supported not only by the community, but by law enforcement, health care systems, human service organizations, and other agencies. Stepping Out with the Stars will be especially meaningful this year as it will give us a forum to celebrate the importance and significance of our services and thank all of our partners for their support over the past 45 years. It is also an opportunity to engage new champions of the Turning Point mission at a time when it is critical to grow our supporter and donor base.”

The signature event, held in partnership with the Arthur Murray Dance Studios of Shelby Township and Royal Oak, will be held at the Palazzo Grande Banquet & Event Center, located at 54660 Van Dyke in Shelby Township. The evening promises to be entertaining and energetic. Six dancing “Stars” dedicate the months leading up to the event to learn a dance routine to perform in front of the crowd, guided by a professional from Arthur Murray. This year’s Stars are Emily Geier, John Long, Karah Ruczynski, Lauri Catenacci, Lori Stillwell, and Tricia Haener.

The Stars are competing for two awards: the Judge’s Choice, where dancers are evaluated on their performances and rated by judges on a one to 10 scale, as well as the People’s Choice, where the winner is determined by whichever Star raises the most money through votes up to the event, as well as throughout the evening. Supporters can cast their votes for dancers now at https://steppingout.cbo.io.

Event sponsors include Huntington Bank, on the clock, UAW Region 1, Kiwanis Club of Clinton Township, McLaren Macomb, Nino Salvaggio Charitable Foundation and Medstar. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event starts at 6 p.m. Advance ticket purchase is required. A ticket includes dinner, open premium bar, and dancing, for $125 per person, or a table of 10 for $1,125. Raffles, a silent auction and a wine pull will also be available for purchase onsite. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit https://cbo.io/tickets/steppingout/TurningPoint.

About Turning Point 

Marking 45 years in 2025, Turning Point provides free, confidential, inclusive, and accessible services to honor the unique needs, identities, and experiences of survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. Services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, housing, counseling, legal advocacy, personal protection order support, forensic nurse and first response advocacy, prevention, and community education. In addition to these programs, Turning Point operates Second Hand Rose, a resale store that offers gently used merchandise to the community to support survivors and the agency’s mission. On average, Turning Point provides services to over 27,000 survivors and community members annually. Visit www.turningpointmacomb.org for more information.

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