Step Right Up! Therapalooza returns in three weeks to benefit The Therapy Place

The clock is ticking! In just three weeks, Therapalooza: The Greatest Show in the Southeast returns for its 11th year, transforming the Goodman Building at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds into a spectacular Big Top celebration. On Friday, September 19, 2025, from 7:15 to 10:30 PM, more than 500 guests will gather for a one-of-a-kind night benefitting The Therapy Place, a nonprofit organization supporting children with developmental delays and disabilities across the Midlands.

This year’s Therapalooza promises even more sparkle and surprises, including:

• Custom Hat Bar by A Little Happy & Cigar Rolling Station by 4 Tour Farm– create a
• personalized keepsake while supporting a great cause.
• Specialty Cocktail from TakoSushi – sip a signature creation crafted exclusively for
• Therapalooza.
• Live Circus Entertainment – acrobats, jugglers, and more bringing Big Top wonder to life.
• Live Music & Dancing – get ready to hit the dance floor!
• Silent & Live Auctions – back and better than ever, with unforgettable items and experiences.

“Therapalooza is more than a party—it’s a lifeline,” said Dawn Darby, Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Therapy Place. “Every dollar raised brings essential therapies, education, and support to families who have nowhere else to turn. Under the Big Top, we’re building a more inclusive future—one child at a time.”

A School Like No Other, for Children Like No Other

Therapalooza supports more than just a night of dazzling entertainment—it sustains The Therapy Place’s groundbreaking programs, including The Bridges School, the only nonprofit therapeutic school in the Midlands serving children in PreK through 5th grade. These students face challenges ranging from autism and cerebral palsy to rare genetic disorders, requiring daily speech, occupational, and physical therapies—and a learning environment built just for them.

Thanks to the success of last year’s gala, The Therapy Place launched and expanded The Bridges School, now helping dozens of students learn, grow, and thrive in a setting where therapy and education go hand-in-hand.

An Event With Heart—and a Whole Lot of Sparkle

This year, more than 500 business leaders, community advocates, and supporters will attend Therapalooza, making it the region’s most joyful and meaningful gala. Proceeds from the event power The Therapy Place’s mission to serve over 170 children weekly across 11 counties, regardless of income or insurance status. Services include therapy, family programs, caregiver workshops, sibling support, and more.

“Whether you attend, sponsor, or donate, your involvement creates real, lasting change in the lives of local families,” said Darby. “This is our biggest night of the year—and one that truly keeps our doors open.”

Thank You to Our Amazing Sponsors

This magical evening would not be possible without the support of our seventy-plus sponsors. We are proud to recognize The City of Forest Acres as our Hospitality Lounge Sponsor. At the Platinum level, we celebrate the generosity of Dick Dyer & Associates. Our Gold sponsor is Thermal Technologies, while Silver support comes from Pediatric Mobility. Bronze sponsors fueling the fun include SouthState Bank, Groucho’s Deli, Richland County, and Marrick.

We’re also grateful for our Corporate sponsors, who add strength and shine to the event: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, The Boland Team, Loveless Commercial Contracting, Bierkeller Columbia, Joye Law Firm, D’s Trees, Fynimex, Resource Financial – A. Wade Douroux, United Healthcare, Premier Imaging Health, Columbia Fireflies, Southeastern Insurance Consultants, and Woodland Holler Boykins.

Finally, we extend heartfelt thanks to our in-kind service sponsors whose talents and resources bring Therapalooza to life in unforgettable ways: Cumulus Radio, Food People Hospitality Group, Free Times, A Little Happy, Party Reflections, SC State Fairgrounds, Soda City Films, WIS TV, 4 Tour Farm, Phoenix Audiovisual, Southern Bear Catering, Ambient Media, Heritage Landcare, Twist Bartending, and Jessica Hunt Photography. Their generosity ensures every detail of the evening dazzles from start to finish.

To see the full list of our amazing sponsors who make Therapalooza possible, visit event.gives/2025therapalooza

Limited Tickets & Tables Available!

There are a very limited number of tickets available, act fast to secure! You can visit event.gives/2025therapalooza to learn more.

 

About The Therapy Place

The Therapy Place is a nonprofit pediatric therapy center based in Columbia, SC, providing lifechanging services to children with developmental delays and disabilities from across the Midlands.

Through a holistic model that combines physical, occupational, and speech therapy with inclusive education and family support, the organization empowers every child to reach their full potential—no matter their diagnosis, income, or zip code.

With over 200 diagnoses treated, The Therapy Place is a trusted resource for families navigating complex care needs. Its signature programs include:

• The Bridges School (PreK–5th): The only nonprofit therapeutic school in the region
• Comprehensive therapy services for children of all abilities
• Family education workshops, caregiver support, sibling programming, and community Events

Learn more at https://thetherapyplace.org/