Dancing Into a New Decade: Thank You for 10 Years of Community
A large group of Dance Party attendees smile at the camera dressed in holiday attire after a night of dancing and celebrating a decade of community.
Our 10-Year Dance Party was filled with joy, connection, and celebration. We are so grateful to everyone who joined us to dance, laugh, and mark this important milestone together. The energy in the room was a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together with openness, care, and a shared commitment to community.
For ten years, Open Up has been creating inclusive spaces where people can move freely, feel supported, and show up exactly as they are. This celebration reflected all of that and more. From packed dance floors to spontaneous moments of laughter and connection, the night captured the spirit of what this community has built together over the past decade.
A Community Built on Connection
What stood out most was not just the music or the dancing, but the sense of belonging. People who have been part of Open Up since the beginning shared space with those who are newer to our community. New friendships were formed, familiar faces reunited, and the room felt alive with shared purpose and joy.
Your continued support makes this work possible. Whether you attend classes, volunteer, donate, or simply show up and spread the word, you are an essential part of this community.
Thank You to Our Event Sponsor
We are incredibly grateful to the Alzheimer’s Biomarker Consortium–Down Syndrome (ABC-DS) at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital / University of Pittsburgh for their generous support of our Dance Party celebration.
ABC-DS is leading important research to better understand the relationship between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease, with a deep commitment to improving lives through science, care, and collaboration. Their support helped make this event accessible, welcoming, and joy filled, allowing our community to come together in meaningful ways.
Thank You to Our Raffle Basket Donors
We are also deeply thankful for the generous raffle basket donations that added excitement and fun to the evening. Your contributions helped make the night memorable and meaningful for everyone who participated.
Raffle Basket Donors:
lululemon
Josh Graboski + Family
Velum Fermentation
Caffe d'Amore
Plants for Skin
The Lehmann Family
Josh Graboski + Family
Velum Fermentation
Caffe d'Amore
Plants for Skin
Ashley Karpa Tattoo
Eleventh Hour Brewing
Duck Duck Tattoo
Local Artist Carolyn Wenning
Local Author Eva Lin Douglass
Luna Skye + S&S Productions
The Ortman Family
The Lehmann Family
Josh Graboski + Family
Velum Fermentation
Caffe d'Amore
Plants for Skin
Looking Ahead to the Next Ten Years
This celebration was more than a party. It was a reflection of what we have built together and a reminder of what is possible when community comes first. As we move into our next decade, we remain committed to creating accessible, welcoming spaces that foster connection, care, and joy.
Thank you for being part of this journey. We are excited to keep moving forward together, dancing into the next chapter with gratitude and hope.