Madelyn’s Fund Board Member Alston Mann Wins Judges’ Choice at Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte

Madelyn’s Fund is proud to celebrate board member Alston Mann for an incredible performance at the 13th Annual Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte.


Held on March 7, the annual gala raised an impressive $1,836,125 to support Charlotte Ballet and six local charities, including Madelyn’s Fund.

The event featured an exciting competition between six corporate and community leaders who spent months fundraising while also rehearsing and perfecting a creative dance routine with their professional Charlotte Ballet partners.


A Winning Performance for Madelyn’s Fund

One of the standout moments of the evening came when Alston took the stage alongside Charlotte Ballet professional dancer Samantha Riester. Their energetic and entertaining routine earned the pair the coveted Judges’ Choice Award, recognizing both their performance and their dedication throughout the competition.

“We did it. We brought home the Win. Thank you to everyone for all the support leading up to and during the performance. I could feel the love on stage,” Alston shared following the event. “And a special thanks to Samantha Riester, the best dancer, choreographer, and security blanket that a budding star could ask for.”

Dancing with Purpose

While the trophy was exciting, the most meaningful outcome of the evening was the support generated for families in need.

Through the competition, Alston raised an incredible $186,966 for Madelyn’s Fund. These funds will help the organization continue its mission of supporting families navigating the challenges of the NICU and infant loss.

Alston and his wife Jessie, have served on the Madelyn’s Fund board for several years. Their involvement was inspired by their own family’s journey when their daughter Haynes was born prematurely at 32 weeks and spent nearly six weeks in the NICU.

For many families, being present in the NICU comes with financial strain and difficult decisions. Through financial assistance and compassionate support, Madelyn’s Fund helps ensure families can remain by their baby’s side during critical moments and provides care to those facing the unimaginable loss of an infant.

Thank You for Supporting NICU Families

Madelyn’s Fund extends its sincere gratitude to Alston, Samantha, the fellow competitors, and everyone who donated, attended, and supported the event. Because of this generosity, more families will receive the support they need during some of life’s most challenging moments.

The rehearsals may be over, but the impact created through this event will continue to support NICU families for years to come.

About Madelyn’s Fund

Madelyn’s Fund, established in 2016, is a Charlotte, NC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial support to infant and pediatric patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and to families who experience the trauma of infant loss. The organization helps NICU families cover unexpected costs, including funeral expenses, offering critical assistance during times of need.

To learn more about Madelyn’s Fund, visit www.madelynsfund.org. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Zoë Maurer, Marketing Chair, at zoe@madelynsfund.org.


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