This fall, local Realtor and Sarasota community member Alex Chau is trading real estate contracts for dance shoes as she takes the stage in Dancing With Clayton’s Stars, benefiting The Dancing with Clayton Foundation.

For Alex, saying yes to the experience was deeply personal. The Southside Elementary community has seen several families impacted by pediatric cancer, including the heartbreaking loss of Lucas “Mighty Robot Tiger” Ticola, a classmate of one of her daughters. Seeing families within her own community face pediatric cancer reinforced just how close to home the cause can be.

Chau often talks with her daughters about the impact even one person—or one child—can have, particularly when a problem feels overwhelmingly big. Participating in Dancing With Clayton’s Stars is an opportunity to put that lesson into action while supporting families and children in the community she calls home.

The organization aims to support families going through pediatric cancer treatment by lessening their financial burdens outside of the hospital. Founders Matt and Jamie Van Landuyt, when going through the heartbreaking journey with their own son, Clayton, were struck by how many kids were in the hospital alone because the parents had to work to continue to pay their mortgage, electric bill, car repairs, etc. By taking care of some of those expenses, parents can focus more on being present for their children in the time when they need the support and strength the most.

Beyond the dancing, the heart of the competition is fundraising. Chau is currently raising funds for The Dancing with Clayton Foundation and is asking friends, neighbors and the greater Sarasota community to support her campaign. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps further the Foundation’s mission and makes each step onto the dance floor more meaningful.

The experience culminates at the Dancing With Clayton’s Stars Gala on October 10 at Mote SEA, when Chau and her fellow participants will take the stage after months of preparation and fundraising.

For Chau, the evening will be about much more than dancing. It’s an opportunity to celebrate community, support an important cause, and show her daughters what can happen when people choose to step forward and make a difference.

 

Donate to the Foundation at : https://givebutter.com/c/DWCs2026/members/alexchauperformer