Support the CState Career Closet through the “Dance With Your Heart” Fundraiser on Nov. 8
The Cincinnati State Career Closet has been chosen as one of the recipients of the Dance With Your Heart Charity Gala taking place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 6 to 11 p.m., at the Syndicate in Newport, KY.
KJ Jacobs, Meteorologist and Traffic Analyst at WCPO Channel 9, selected the Career Closet as the organization he’s fundraising for. Jacobs will participate in a celebrity dance contest at the Gala, partnered with professional dancer Melissa Vaughn, and he’s currently raising funds through ticket sales and donations.
- Tickets for the Gala are $100 (Regular ticket) or $125 (VIP ticket), and a portion of each ticket cost goes to your selected celebrity’s designated charity. The ticket price covers appetizers, dinner, two drink tickets, and an evening of fun and entertainment!
- Cincinnati State faculty member and Career Closet facilitator Brian Hooten said if you can’t attend the Gala, you can still support the Career Closet by making a small donation. Brian also said he’s trying to raise funds for one or two tickets to the Gala that would be used by Career Closet student workers.
“Even a small donation can make a lasting impact and help our students dress for success and shine with confidence!” Brian said.
He added, “Think back to when you were a college student and your first professional outfit gave you confidence to walk into an interview or your first job.”
“Since 2023, the Career Closet has provided free, interview-ready attire to more than 700 Cincinnati State students. In 2025 alone, we’ve supported 203 students and worked with 277 donors, resulting in over 420 donated clothing items distributed at no cost to students in need.”
If you have questions or want to support this fundraising event, you can contact Brian at brian.hooten@cincinnatistate.edu or (513) 569-1634.
Dance With Your Heart, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded by Jeremy and Desiree’ Mainous of the Arthur Murray Dance Center in Cincinnati to produce dance events that raise awareness and money for charities.