Rose Alford and Janet Peasley Win Northwest Rocky Mountain CASA Dancing With the Stars

The air inside Strings Music Pavilion still hums with the bass of a closing number. It’s a specific kind of vibration — the kind that follows a room full of locals who’ve just spent three hours sweating through costumes for a cause that doesn’t always get the spotlight. On Saturday night, the venue wasn’t just a concert hall. It was a fundraising engine.

The 2026 Northwest Rocky Mountain CASA Dancing With the Stars event delivered exactly what it promised: energy, humor, and a deep, unvarnished sense of purpose. But let’s cut through the glitz. The real story isn’t who hit the high note. It’s who pays for the kids in the system when the judges aren’t looking.

This annual fundraiser supports Court Appointed Special Advocates. The organization provides trained volunteers to advocate for children experiencing abuse and neglect across Routt, Moffat, and Grand counties. That’s a big geographic footprint. It’s a lot of counties. And it’s a lot of kids waiting for someone to speak up for them in courtrooms that move faster than the families involved.

The mechanics were simple. Local “stars” took the stage. They danced. The crowd cheered. But every dollar raised counted as a vote. It wasn’t just about popularity; it was about liquidity. The money raised directly fuels the volunteer infrastructure that keeps these children from falling through the cracks of the juvenile justice and foster care systems.

Rose Alford and Janet Peasley took first place. They didn’t just win; they raised $27,873. Their routine mixed pieces from Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes with the Black Eyed Peas. They closed the show in custom jerseys, bringing high energy to a room that needed it. Andrea Kortas and Nicole Ouellette finished second. They performed “Husband” and raised $27,179. The gap between first and second was less than a thousand dollars. In the world of local fundraising, that’s a photo finish.

But the numbers only tell half the story. The other half is about the people doing the work. Jessica LeBlanc and Tiffany Leeson opened the night with a “1950s Melody” mashup. Lynna Broyles and Kaylee Tully performed “Dancing Through Time.” Kat Goodhand and Jason Partovi tackled “Sing, Sing, Sing,” a time-travel-themed routine set to the BBC Big Band Orchestra. Dan Hagney and Penny Hamilton closed the first set with “California Dreamin’,” bringing fringe and energy to the stage.

Eric Albalos and Stephanie Rabbitt took home the judges’ choice award for “What the Actual Fluff.” It was a “purrfect” take on the theme. Stephanie Juneau and Nevada Musgrove, both employees of the Steamboat Springs School District, performed “Proud Mary.” Andrew Kortas and Nicole Ouellette, who have deep connections to the Yampa Valley performing arts scene, brought the crowd to its feet.

These aren’t just celebrities. They’re neighbors. They’re teachers. They’re volunteers. And they’re raising money for a service that relies entirely on the generosity of those who continue to champion its cause.

Beyond the dancing, the event highlighted the ongoing need for volunteers. CASA doesn’t just need money; it needs people. Trained volunteers are the backbone of the organization. Without them, the funding has nowhere to go. The event celebrated the organization’s impact, but it also served as a reminder that the impact is fragile. It depends on constant support.

The judges watched closely. The crowd voted with their wallets. The winners went home with trophies, but the real prize is the stability these funds provide to children across the region. The short version? The community showed up. They paid attention. And they kept the lights on for the next generation of advocates.

The question isn’t whether the money was raised. It’s whether the volunteers will be there next year to use it.