Huntsville’s “Dancing with the Stars” supports free healthcare for 6,000 students—how to vote + donate

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Dancing With the Stars season 35 has just begun—but did you know there is a local version in Huntsville that raises money for accessible medical care?

That’s right—Huntsville’s own “Stars Dancing for HEALS” is coming up on November 12 and has showcased local dancing duos for 20 years, all to raise money for school-based healthcare nonprofit, HEALS, Inc..

We got a behind-the-scenes look at how HEALS provides healthcare to 6,000 locals ages 0-19 annually. Plus, we chatted with one local exec about why he chose to support the mission as a Stars dancer this year.👇

Meet HEALS, Inc., a school-based medical clinic serving underprivileged students in Huntsville

Founded in 1998, HEALS (AKA Health Establishments at Local Schools) is dedicated to bringing FREE, accessible healthcare to disadvantaged local youth in Madison County while removing barriers like transportation, cost and access.

What does that look like? 👉 5 high-quality clinics conveniently located within partner schools with full time staff and 12 providers who know every patient by name.

“When we establish care, we have the parent or guardian give us authorization to treat their child. Why is that a big deal?

If they’re in school and have an appointment, we can pull the student from class and get them taken care of. Their guardian doesn’t have to miss work, make an extra trip or spend money on gas. We get to eliminate that barrier.”

Risha Sanderson, Chief Development Officer of HEALS, Inc.

Scope of services:

• Medical: Full pediatric primary care (infant–19)
• Optometry: Vision screenings + glasses
• Dental: Full dental practice (minus surgery)

Freebies that patients receive:

• Hygiene kits (dental, shower + feminine hygiene products)
• Free shoes for each child + their family
• Food via partnership with the North Alabama Food Bank (fresh items + pantry staples)
• Early intervention, preventative care + more support from staff
• Prizes + goodies after every visit

HEALS, Inc clinic in Martin Luther King Elementary (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

HEALS locations:

• Martin Luther King Junior Elementary, Huntsville
• Morris Elementary, Huntsville
• Sonnie Hereford Elementary, Huntsville
• Madison Cross Roads Elementary, Toney
• Madison County Elementary, Gurley
• Mobile Medical & Dental Clinic: Visits to Madison + more rural locations

“Our mobile medical clinic allows us to go directly to low income housing neighborhoods in partnership with Huntsville Housing Authority.

Those families see our clinic drive up and you would think we were the ice cream truck.

People are so excited because they’re being met with love, respect and a safe space.”

Risha Sanderson, Chief Development Officer of HEALS, Inc.

While HEALS reaches 6,000 kids annually, Risha shared that 20,000 kids in Madison County live in poverty and qualify for HEALS. Continued donations and support help close that gap.

🤝 Want to support their mission? Join the HEALS Family by committing to a monthly donation!

• $12/month = year of medical care for a student
• $25/month = year of dental + optometry care for a student

“The bulk of our operational funding comes from fundraising, events and grants. We rely on our partnerships with organizations like Mazda Toyota Manufacturing to make our mission possible.”

Risha Sanderson, Chief Development Officer of HEALS, Inc.

20th Anniversary of “Stars Dancing for HEALS”

Local leaders practice for months to compete in this annual HEALS fundraiser. (HEALS, Inc. / Steve Babin Photography)

HEALS is most known for “Stars Dancing for HEALS,” where local leaders spend months learning to dance (with help from local instructors)—all while competing to exceed their fundraising goal of $30,000.

Every dollar = a vote, with the winning Star deemed the “Top Champion for Children.” The ‘Crowd Favorite’ is voted on by participants the night of the event!

Don’t miss this year’s fundraising competitions:

• When: Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6:30PM
• Where: Von Braun Center
• Purchase a table to attend or live stream for FREE

⭐️ Make a donation to vote for your favorite star!

Meet the dancer + local exec who’s raised $32,497+

9 local individuals and duos will compete this year—local VP Mas Watanabe is one of them:

• Job: Executive Vice President of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM)
• Background:
  • 1996: Kickstarted his career at Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan
  • 2002: Moved to North Huntsville as his first overseas assignment to help establish the new engine plant
  • 2018: Returned to North Alabama as a founding member of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing’s leadership team
  • 2025: Transitioned from a Group Vice President role at Toyota North America to become EVP at MTM—a true full circle moment! 
• Passions: Community enrichment, physical + mental fitness, conservation, experiencing nature, automotives + overlanding
• Money raised for HEALS: $32,497.03 + counting!

While he has no dance experience, Mas is eager to have fun learning while supporting the community.

“It’s important to me, and to Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, to have the opportunity to give back in this way.”

“We started our plant in the middle of COVID and the community showed us a lot of support, and now it’s our turn to give back to those in our community who are in need.”

Masanao “Mas” Watanabe

Fun fact: MTM General Manager David Wallander and his wife Avy competed last year!

Mas has a personal goal of raising $50,000—make a donation to vote for Mas or your favorite star and support HEALS! (Every dollar = 1 vote ⭐️)

How Mazda Toyota Manufacturing supports HEALS + more

As a dedicated community figure, Mas values how Mazda Toyota Manufacturing invests in the community, too. MTM established its Grant Fund in 2022 to enhance economic impact, education and quality of life in the greater Huntsville area.

With two grant cycles a year, MTM has invested $1.5 million in funding to further the missions of nonprofits in Madison, Morgan and Limestone counties (including HEALS!).

Supported initiatives include:

• Hospital foundations
• Local school systems
• STEM programs
• Career + technical schools
• Providers of basic needs

To connect with the MTM team about supporting your organization, reach out to media@mazdatoyota.com. If you are a 501c3 organization in Madison, Morgan and Limestone counties, head to Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville (givehsv.org) to apply for the MTM Grant Fund.

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