When I was first asked to participate in Dancing with the Stars Austin, my initial reaction was hesitation. I am a businessman, a builder, and an entrepreneur. Dancing on stage in front of a crowd was far outside my comfort zone. But once I understood the mission behind the event, supporting the Center for Child Protection, the decision became an easy one. This was not about dancing. It was about stepping up for a cause that truly matters.

Saying Yes for the Right Reason

The Center for Child Protection does critical work for children who have experienced abuse. Their mission is one I deeply respect and believe in. When you are given an opportunity to help protect children and bring attention to such an important cause, you find a way to say yes, even if it scares you a little.

Dancing with the Stars Austin brings together community leaders from different industries and challenges them to do something unfamiliar in order to raise funds and awareness. I realized early on that my discomfort was a small price to pay if it helped shine a light on the work being done for these children.

The Work Behind the Spotlight

What people see on stage is only a small part of the journey. Behind the scenes, the preparation was intense. Rehearsals took time, patience, and humility. I had to learn to listen, take direction, and accept that I was not going to be perfect. That alone was a valuable lesson.

Dancing requires trust. Trust in your partner, trust in the process, and trust that the effort will be worth it. Each practice reminded me that growth often happens when you let go of control and allow yourself to be coached. That lesson applies just as much in business as it does on the dance floor.

Community Makes the Difference

One of the most powerful aspects of this experience was the overwhelming support from the community. Friends, colleagues, and supporters showed up in ways that truly moved me. From donations to encouragement, it became clear that this event was bigger than any individual performance.

Together, Dancing with the Stars Austin raised nearly three million dollars for the Center for Child Protection. That number represents safety, healing, and hope for countless children. Being part of something that creates real impact is humbling, and it reinforces the importance of community involvement.

Stepping Outside Comfort Zones

I have built my career by taking calculated risks, but this was a different kind of challenge. There were no spreadsheets, no contracts, and no negotiations. It was just me, the music, and the courage to show up fully.

That experience reminded me that leadership is not only about expertise. Sometimes it is about vulnerability. When leaders are willing to step outside their comfort zones, it gives others permission to do the same. That kind of example can inspire change far beyond a single event.

Why Giving Back Matters

Philanthropy has always been important to me. Giving back is not an obligation. It is a responsibility. Success means very little if it is not shared in a way that helps others. Events like Dancing with the Stars Austin bring people together around a shared purpose, and that collective effort is where real change happens.

Supporting organizations that protect and uplift children is especially meaningful. These children deserve safety, advocacy, and care. If my participation helped raise awareness or funds that improve even one life, then every rehearsal and every step on that stage was worth it.

Lessons I Will Carry Forward

This experience reinforced several lessons I already believed in. First, saying yes to the right cause matters more than personal comfort. Second, preparation and humility go a long way in any challenge. Third, community is powerful when people come together with a shared mission.

I also learned that growth does not stop at any age or stage of life. There is always something new to learn, especially when you are willing to try something different. That mindset keeps life interesting and purposeful.

Looking Back with Gratitude

When I look back on my time with Dancing with the Stars Austin, I feel nothing but gratitude. Gratitude for the organizers, the dancers, the donors, and everyone who supported the event. Gratitude for the Center for Child Protection and the vital work they do every day. And gratitude for the reminder that impact often begins with a simple decision to show up.

I may not be a professional dancer, but I was proud to stand on that stage knowing it was for something far bigger than myself. That is a feeling I will carry with me for a long time.