Education Changes Lives
Welcome to our News & Events page!
Here, you will find basic information on upcoming events and recent news. For more detailed information on upcoming events, and to stay informed on The Villages Dollars for Scholars, be sure to follow us on Facebook.
You may purchase tickets, and request more information regarding upcoming events, or becoming a sponsor, by emailing our Events Manager, Patty Desai, at EventsManager@TVDFS.org.
Upcoming Events
Dancing with Arlen and Keith: Prom Night - Charity of Choice Event
Get ready to dance the night away at our next Charity of Choice event benefiting The Villages Dollars for Scholars!
Step back into the magic of prom night and join us for an evening of music, dancing, fun, and community support.
Date: July 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Eisenhower Recreation Center 3560 Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages, FL
Ticket Information:
Admission is free, with a suggested donation at the door. All proceeds benefit The Villages Dollars for Scholars and help support scholarships for local students.
No signup is necessary - just come and enjoy!
If you'd like to reserve a table to sit with friends, please reserve in advance by contacting:
Arlen Macellaro
Email: vp@tvdfs.org
Phone: 914-850-2933
Dust off your dancing shoes and relive the prom night memories - all for a great cause!
Past Events
Tight Genes
2026 Scholarship Awards Ceremony
The Villages Dollars for Scholars proudly recognized its 2026 scholarship recipients during the annual Awards Ceremony held on April 19, 2026, at the Wildwood Community Center.
This year's scholars represent Wildwood Middle High School, The Villages High School, and Leesburg High School, and were selected for their academic achievement, dedication, and future goals.
We are honored to support these outstanding students as they take the next step in their educational journeys. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Dine & Donate Fundraiser
Charity of Choice Event
Dancing with Our Villages Stars 2026
*SOLD OUT!*
Tickets are on sale now for this much-anticipated annual event!
We have sold out quickly in the past two years, so don't delay - grab your tickets today for one of the most exciting dance events in The Villages as our local dance couples compete live at the La Hacienda Center.
Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm at Hacienda Recreation Center
There are several ticketing levels available including preferred and VIP experience (limited availability) which includes a backstage pass and elevated seating.
Winter 2026 Giving Clubs Showcase
February 7, 2026 • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Lake Miona Recreation Center at 1480 Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages, FL 32162
We're proud to participate in the Winter 2026 Giving Clubs Showcase, a community-wide event celebrating the many organizations that bring kindness, connection, and support to The Villages. With more than 50 Giving Clubs in attendance, this showcase is a wonderful opportunity to explore how local groups are making a difference - and how you can get involved.
At our table, visitors can learn about our mission, meet current members, and discover the many ways to contribute to meaningful acts of kindness throughout the year. Whether you're looking to volunteer, build new friendships, or simply learn more about what we do, we'd love to connect with you.
We're growing, and there's a place for you here.
Stop by during the showcase and see how you can help kindness flourish in our community.
Dancing through the Decades with Suzie Casta
Dance Through the Decades with Villages favorite, Suzie Casta!
Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Seabreeze Recreation Center
Tickets are $20.00 per person and tables of 8 are also available (BYOB and BYOS).
Happy Valley Soup Fundraiser
The Villages Dollars for Scholars is excited to announce our newest fundraiser in partnership with Happy Valley Soup Company - just in time for the holiday season.
These handcrafted soup mixes make thoughtful and delicious gifts for family, friends, and neighbors. When you order using our unique fundraising link, a portion of the proceeds goes directly toward scholarships for local students pursuing their college dreams.
Our board members have personally taste-tested and approved these soups, and we're confident you'll enjoy them too.
You must order using this unique link to ensure TVDFS benefits from your generosity: https://fundraising.happyvalleysoupcompany.com/?fund=639
You can find more information in this downloadable pdf file.
Thank you for supporting The Villages Dollars for Scholars and helping us make education possible for deserving students in our community.
The VHA Health & Wellness Expo 2025
- Friday, November 21, 2025
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1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Rohan Recreation Center
The Villages Dollars for Scholars will be participating in The VHA's Health & Wellness Expo 2025, a community event focused on "Staying Healthy While Aging."
This annual expo highlights physical activity, social engagement, and proper nutrition for lifelong wellness.
Stop by our table to learn how Dollars for Scholars supports local students in achieving their college dreams-and how investing in education helps build a healthier, stronger community for generations to come.
We hope to see you there!
#EducationChangesLives
The Giving Clubs Showcase
Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Everglades Recreation, Sales & Information Center, 5497 Marsh Bend Trail, Wildwood, FL 34785
Join The Villages Dollars for Scholars at the Giving Clubs Showcase, hosted by the Acknowledging Acts of Kindness Club!
Stop by our booth to learn how we're helping local students achieve their college dreams, and how you can make a difference right here in our community.
Jukebox Bingo with Ric Mitchell
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 6:30 - 9:00pm at Eisenhower Recreation Center. Doors open at 6:00pm.
It's bingo with a twist! Join Ric Mitchell for one of our most popular events - where great tunes, laughs, and prizes make for an unforgettable night. All proceeds benefit the Villages Dollars for Scholars.
Event Highlights: BYOB & Snacks - Gift basket raffles - 50/50 drawing (bring cash!)
Tight Genes
Sunday, August 17, 2025, 6:00-8:00pm at Rohan Recreation Center. Doors open at 5:30pm.
Get ready for a fun-filled evening of fabulous music, laughter, and dancing - brought to you by one of The Villages' favorite groups!
Event Highlights: BYOB & Snacks - 50/50 drawing (bring cash!)
Ticket Info: No Charge. A donation at the door is suggested. All proceeds benefit the Villages Dollars for Scholars.
Thank you to the Tight Genes family for making The Villages Dollars for Scholars your Charity of Choice for this event.
Country & Swing Night to Benefit The Villages Dollars for Scholars
[Keith & Arlen's Charity of Choice Event]
Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 6:00-8:00pm at the Eisenhower Recreation Center.
Kick up your boots for a lively night of country and swing dancing - hosted by Keith & Arlen, the dynamic duo behind the always anticipated annual Dancing with Our Stars event.
Event Highlights: BYOB & Snacks - Wear your finest - 50/50 drawing (bring cash!)
Ticket Info: No charge for admission. A donation at the door is suggested. All proceeds benefit the Villages Dollars for Scholars. No signup necessary, but tables are available to reserve. If you would like to sit together, please reserve ahead of time by contacting Arlen Macellaro at vp@tvdfs.org or 914-850-2933.
Thank you, Keith & Arlen, for making The Villages Dollars for Scholars your Charity of Choice for this event.
Scholarship Awards Dinner
April 27, 2025
We are so proud to recognize this year's scholarship recipients. Congratulations to all
the hardworking and inspiring students in the Class of 2025. Click here to view the full list of scholarship recipients.
Not pictured: Amber Law
