Oregon Coast TODAY **Dancing with the Coastal Stars pairs local couples — most with no prior dance experience — with professional coaches to learn and perform choreographed routines live on stage.**

By Oregon Coast TODAY

Step lively to snag tickets to Dancing with the Coastal Stars, the signature fund-raiser for Samaritan House Family Shelter, returning to the Newport Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Dancing with the Coastal Stars pairs local couples — most with no prior dance experience — with professional coaches to learn and perform choreographed routines live on stage. Participants compete for the Judges’ Award, the People’s Choice Award and the Fundraising Award, with each couple raising money in support of Samaritan House in the weeks leading up to the event.

This year’s couples are Andrea Formo and Andrew Melzer, Ashley and Cameron Garner, Kristi and Bill Cline, Martha Varo Cornejo and Enrique Valdivia Leon, Nina Vetter and Justin Stokes, and Seanna and Zack Dahl.

The show marks a major comeback for the event, last held in pre-pandemic 2019. All proceeds directly support Samaritan House programs, including safe transitional housing and childcare for families experiencing homelessness or severe instability.

In addition to tickets, sponsorships ranging from $500 to $5,000 are available, which come with perks like ticket bundles and ad space in the event program.

Tickets are $64.50 reserved seating and one People’s Choice vote.

Organizers of the event say that rising living costs, job losses and shrinking public resources are putting more Lincoln County families at risk of homelessness.

Samaritan House has experienced a big increase in the need for housing, support services and childcare. At the same time, the organization is facing a loss of critical funding that has long supported its childcare program, a lifeline for working families navigating crisis, poverty, housing insecurity or recovery.

“In the 14 years I’ve been with the Samaritan House I’ve had the privilege of watching countless families get back on their feet and be self-sufficient,” said Charles Jesse, Samaritan House’s deputy director. “Through the Samaritan House program and the great staff, families have learned about finances, community housing and other skills that can benefit for a lifetime.”

The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Newport Performing Arts Center. For tickets and more information, including dancer bios and photos, go to www.samfamshelter.org.