On March 14, 2025, ABC 7 Chicago’s news anchor/reporter Samantha Chatman and Emmy Award-winning anchor Brandon Pope, also the President of the NABJ, joined the crew of “Dancing With The Decades” at Navy Pier to raise money for breast cancer research and support. This year’s beneficiaries included the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern Medicine, the University of Chicago, and the A Silver Lining Foundation. Presented by the Arthur Murray Foundation, the fantastic event successfully raised and donated $250,000,000.
Brandon shared his experience stepping out of his comfort zone and expressed his excitement about joining the other stars on the roster. “I know you didn’t see this coming! I’m definitely not much of a dancer, except for the occasional ‘lean with it, rock with it.’ Learning new dance moves has been a blast! I’ve spent the first few weeks of the year practicing with my amazing ballroom dance partner, @summer_geeee, at Arthur Murray’s dance company. Summer and I will perform on March 14th at Navy Pier, and we have some surprises in store. All the money raised will stay local and go towards preventative research and access to care for survivors. I’m honored to support the brave individuals fighting this disease and those I know and love who have battled it.”
Samantha expressed how much this event meant to her, even in the days leading up to it. She ended the night by honoring the Legendary Chicago Steppers! In an Instagram post, she stated, “I had the time of my life this past Friday competing in Dancing with Chicago Celebrities. I tapped into my alter ego (Sam Bam) and went for it,” 😉We raised more than $250,000 to support breast cancer research! I want to thank my incredibly talented partner, Drew, the organization, my family, friends, and @abc7chicago for all the support.”
2025 DWCC Celebrities
- John Parrish – Actor
- Michelle Relerford – NBC
- Samantha Chatman – ABC
- Terrence Lee – Fox
- Marissa Perlman – CBS
- Brhett Vickery – WGN
- Jasmine Baker – NFL Bears Reporter
- Brandon Pope – WCIU
- Chef Art Smith – Celebrity Chef
DWCC 2025 Corporate Superstars
- Elizabeth Keeney Verdick – Accenture
- Kristin Hahn – Ernst & Young
- Amy Gross – Morgan Stanley
- Kristin Atchison – Breakthrough Board at UC Medical
- Dr. Amani Erra – Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern Medicine
- Taylor Sanders – Johnson & Johnson
- Rosalyn “Roz” Genovese – Dream Town Realty
- Laura Carole – Bears Fit
- Grace Castillo – Coldwell Banker Realty
WHO WON?
