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Oklahoma City’s 19th annual Dancing for a Miracle gala returns on Aug. 22, bringing local figures to the stage to raise funds for pediatric care across the state. The event, modeled on celebrity dance competitions, pairs community leaders with pro dancers to spotlight the work of the Children’s Health Foundation and the families it supports.
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Dr. Tina Floyd, owner of the OKC Spark, and local business developer Jen Berge are among the community personalities taking part this year. Both spoke with News 9 about their preparation and the personal meaning of the fundraiser.
Floyd described the learning curve as steep but rewarding after several months of rehearsals with a professional partner. She said the process has forced her to change how she moves on stage and that she’s enjoying the challenge.
Berge, who has a background in performance, called the experience a welcome creative outlet while working in the corporate world. She also framed her participation through a personal lens: as a former NICU parent, supporting children’s health in Oklahoma carries special significance.
What the gala does — and why it matters now
The fundraiser channels donations to pediatric programs across the state, keeping care and specialized treatments available locally. Organizers say proceeds benefit medical research, family support services and clinical programs that reach communities in all 77 counties of Oklahoma.
- Pediatric care: funding for clinical services and specialist visits
- Research: grants for improving child health outcomes
- Family support: assistance that helps parents keep their children close to home during treatment
- Statewide reach: programs designed to serve urban and rural communities alike
How the evening unfolds
The program follows a televised-style format: rehearsal footage and short profiles are shown, a featured patient family shares their story, and the celebrity-and-pro duos perform for an audience of roughly 1,000 people. Organizers emphasize the patient stories as the emotional center of the night.
Floyd said her routine will be a playful take on a classic ballroom style, performed within this year’s circus-themed conceit. Berge’s piece falls under a new “theatre arts” category — she promises dramatic choreography with ambitious lifts and stage moments.
Both contestants noted they’ve trained for about four months and credit their professional partners for guiding the progression from rehearsal to stage-ready performance.
Event details
Dancing for a Miracle starts at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 22 in Oklahoma City. Tickets and donation options are listed on the Children’s Health Foundation website.
For viewers and donors, the gala offers more than entertainment: it ties visible community participation to concrete improvements in pediatric care statewide — a timely reminder of how local fundraising directly affects access to treatment and support for families across Oklahoma.
