Big Top, Big Impact: Therapalooza Raises Record $463,298 for The Therapy Place

(Photo Courtesy of Jessica Hunt Photography)

The 11th Annual Therapalooza: The Greatest Show in the Southeast lit up the Big Top and raised a record-breaking $463,298 to benefit The Therapy Place, a nonprofit therapy clinic and school serving children with developmental delays and disabilities across the Midlands. More than 445 guests filled the Goodman Building at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on September 19 for a night of circus magic, spirited giving, and community pride. The evening’s success was fueled by the generosity of 74 sponsors and 143 auction donors, ensuring every detail made an impact.

A Night of Magic and Meaning

Festivities began with the Ringmaster’s VIP Reception, hosted by the City of Forest Acres, where leaders, sponsors, and supporters gathered in cele ation.

When the Big Top opened, live circus acts — from acrobats to precision knife-throwing — set the stage for a special evening. Guests sipped signature cocktails from a circus lemonade stand sponsored by TakoSushi, rolled cigars with Chris Hudson of 4 Tour Farm, and designed custom Therapalooza trucker hats courtesy of A Little Happy. The popular Grab the Need Wall returned with overwhelming support, where guests selected and purchased tickets representing essentials like iPads, adaptive chairs, and supplies for The Therapy Place staff.

The live program brought the heart of the mission to center stage. CEO Dawn Darby and COO Abby Wilson shared updates, followed by the Williams family’s story of how The Therapy Place has changed their son, John Joseph (JJ)’s life. Auctioneer Erin Kienzle of Giving4Good led a paddle raise that saw more than 200 guests donate, capped by a live auction featuring artwork by The Therapy Place children, signed Taylor Swift guitars, and luxury getaways.

Looking Ahead

“Therapalooza is more than a party — it’s a lifeline,” said Dawn Darby, Founder & CEO of The Therapy Place. “This record-breaking support allows us to expand therapies, programs, and our Bridges School — helping even more children and families thrive.”

Planning for Therapalooza 2026 is already underway, building on this year’s momentum to extend The Therapy Place’s reach across the Midlands.

Deepest Thanks to Our Sponsors

This evening was made possible by the generosity of the following sponsors:

• Hospitality Lounge Sponsor: The City of Forest Acres
• Platinum Sponsor: Dick Dyer & Associates
• Gold Sponsor: Thermal Technologies
• Silver Sponsor: Pediatric Mobility
• Bronze Sponsors: SouthState Bank, Groucho’s Deli, Richland County Government, Marrick

Officials with The Therapy Place extended an additional thank you to their corporate sponsors —including BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, The Boland Team, Loveless Commercial Contracting, Joye Law Firm, United Healthcare, Columbia Fireflies, and many more — as well as their in-kind service partners such as Cumulus Radio, WIS TV, Party Reflections, and Soda City Films.

For a full list of 2025 sponsors, visit event.gives/2025therapalooza.

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