Reach for the Stars 2026 - Community Rallies Behind Key Training Center at 42nd Annual Reach for the Stars Dinner Auction The Key Training Center celebrated 60 years of changing lives during its 42nd Annual Reach for the Stars Dinner Auction on Friday, bringing together supporters, volunteers, sponsors, and community leaders for an evening of entertainment, recognition, and generosity.
The annual fundraiser raised more than $171,000 to support the Key Training Center's mission of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through individualized services, employment opportunities, life skills training, residential programs, and community inclusion.
Guests enjoyed dinner prepared by Leon McClellan while volunteers from the Lecanto High School Baseball team, led by representatives Vigil Matos and David Lague, helped serve attendees throughout the evening. Community members, longtime supporters, and local businesses filled the venue in celebration of the organization's six decades of service. Among those attending were the Roe family, Amy Holaday and Marilyn Spitler—who have attended the event a combined dozen or more times—and longtime supporters Mike and Kathy Hrabina. Mike Hrabina also joined Ralph Johnson for a photo with performers from Ariel Dragons, whose stilt walkers added excitement and entertainment to the evening.
The event also recognized several individuals and organizations whose dedication has made a lasting impact on the Key Training Center. Austin Hooker received the Runner of Excellence Award in recognition of his decade of commitment to the Run for the Money, the organization's signature 180-mile fundraising relay from Tallahassee to Lecanto. He was joined during the presentation by Executive Director Melissa Walker, Core Runner Stephanie Stevens, and Community Run Coordinator Chelsea Dowling. The Citizen of the Year Award was presented posthumously in honor of Patrick Thomas, recognizing his unwavering dedication to the Key Training Center and the individuals it served. Thomas, who recently passed away, was remembered for his lasting impact on the organization and its clients. His cousin, Monica Adams, accepted the award on behalf of the Thomas family. The evening also honored the Citrus County Chronicle as the organization's Organization of the Year in appreciation for its decades of coverage and continued support of the Key Training Center's mission.
The dinner auction also served as the official kickoff to the 2026 Run for the Money. Early the following morning, runners and cyclists departed from the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee to begin their 180-mile journey back to the Key Training Center's Lecanto campus. The annual relay has become one of the organization's most recognized fundraising traditions, uniting hundreds of participants and supporters from across the region.
As the organization celebrates its 60th anniversary, the success of the Reach for the Stars Dinner Auction and the continuing Run for the Money campaign highlight the community's ongoing commitment to ensuring individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the opportunity to live meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives. Donations to support this year's Run for the Money are still being accepted.