Mayor McTizic Puts on Dancing Shoes Another year Supporting The STAR Center {video}
Mayor Julian McTizic is putting on his dancing shoes once again and competing in the Dancing with the STARs 2025 event, which will benefit The STAR Center of Jackson, Tennessee. On his arm will be Haley Fortune, who partnered with Mayor McTizic in the 2024 competition.
Mayor McTizic and Ms. Fortune will go against other teams in dance competition, while working collectively in raising money for The STAR Center to support its efforts in the community. The Star Center, founded by Margaret and Chuck Doumitt, opened its door in 1988 with a vision of helping people with disabilities realize their potential. Their effort was motivated by their children, George and Angela, who began losing their eyesight. The Doumitts wanted to be sure their children and others with any disability had the education and resources to learn how to care for themselves.
In an article last year, Mayor McTizic shared his why for participating in the fundraising efforts of The Star Center.
“My son, Jules, has autism, BUT he is a star. That’s how most people would phrase that sentence, but I don’t look at his diagnosis as something that makes him less than. Many people see autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as something people have to fix or overcome to shine. Being blessed to parent Jules and watch him learn, grow, and thrive has taught me that he’s not plagued with a disability, but challenged with a different ability,” said Mr. McTizic. “While he faces many obstacles not having ‘normal’ skills like the ability to speak, he has the rare gift to see and experience the world in a way most of us can’t. The STAR Center provides services to people like Jules who need a little extra help overcoming those obstacles to reach their full potential. I wanted to help raise money to support that endeavor and help raise awareness for ASD and the amazing services offered at the STAR Center. The STAR Center understands replacing the ‘but’ with ‘and’. My son, Jules, has autism, AND he is a star, just like the many other stars The STAR Center helps to shine. They are crushing the ‘no’ every single day, and I’m proud to be a part of that.”
Mayor McTizic has already raised $130 toward his goal of $2,500 and is looking for supporters in his effort. Dancing with the STARs, which is in its tenth year, will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.
You may show you support for MayorMcTizic and The Star Center by texting DWTSTARS257 to 7177 or donating online!
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