August 8, 2026. Saturday night. The air inside the Venice Community Center buzzed with anticipation. It was time for the fifth annual “Hunk in Heels: An All-Star Battle of the Best.”
Before guests even crossed the threshold, the night had smashed every fundraising record in the event’s history. This wasn’t just another year for Spread Spencer’s Sparkle; it was the year that raised the bar for everyone. The crown was the biggest in event history. The dinner was delicious. Laughter echoing off the walls, talent lighting up the stage, a conga line snaking through the crowd mid-show, and a silent auction loaded with treasures. You couldn’t help but leave lighter; joy was in the air.
Every performer brought something special. DJ Richard Hunt kept everyone moving, and JP Taylor, the emcee, stayed in heels all night long, owning every minute.
Then there was Veronica Foxx. No one works a stage like Veronica. She didn’t just perform; she drew everyone in, filling the room with energy and style that left the audience grinning and cheering for more.
But the heart behind this event? That shimmer came from Spencer and his story. Saturday, Spencer sparkled again, his legacy woven through every detail, every laugh, every act of inclusion. People came together from all walks of life, creating space for kindness, acceptance, and celebration. No judgment, no barriers, just pure support and understanding. This is what it means to try on someone else’s shoes.
After five years, the event has grown year by year. Every table is a chance to swap stories with someone new, to find a moment of connection in a world too often divided.
Just last week, the Englewood REVIEW featured Spencer’s mom, Dawn Stephens, sharing her story of how she transformed heartbreak into hope.
In 2020, Dawn lost her son Spencer at just 18, taken far too soon in a car accident. Instead of giving in to grief, Dawn reached out to the community Spencer loved. Her smallest, most honest acts of kindness became a movement. A year later, “Spread Spencer’s Sparkle” received nonprofit status. And now? Dawn honors Spencer’s open-hearted spirit by backing youth programs, scholarships, the arts, theater, and LGBTQ+ awareness.
There’s something extraordinary about seeing joy ripple out from one person’s legacy. Congratulations to the Spread Spencer’s Sparkle team on your most successful year to date. You’ve achieved more, encouraged dialogue, and showed the true meaning of a supportive community. Here’s to next year’s “Hunks in Heels.” We’ll see you there.
Want to learn more? Visit spreadspencerssparkle.com.
