Orlando residents will gather Saturday, Oct. 24, at Genesis Health Clubs in Maitland for a “Thriller”‑themed dance party that aims to raise money for the Pregnancy Center of Winter Park. Organizers say the event, part of the global “Thrill the World” series, will bring together dancers who, like Michael Jackson, “give back to the community,” according to co‑organizer Scott Fijolek.
The fundraiser marks the fifth year the event has been held in Orlando and, per the organizers, has been represented in 32 countries on six continents with more than 23,000 participants worldwide. This year’s proceeds will benefit the Winter Park pregnancy resource center, which describes its mission as offering women alternatives to abortion by modeling the love of Jesus Christ.
The Pregnancy Center of Winter Park is one of over 150 crisis pregnancy centers in Florida, facilities that provide free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests and counseling aimed at encouraging pregnant people to continue their pregnancies. While the center’s public website emphasizes “pregnancy confirmation and assisting those facing unexpected pregnancies,” a separate site linked to the organization explicitly states its pro‑life stance.
State funding for such centers has grown under Governor Ron DeSantis, with the Florida Pregnancy Care Network allocating $29.5 million in taxpayer dollars in 2025. However, the Pregnancy Center of Winter Park and its Sanford location did not appear in the recent tax‑filing review, according to Orlando Weekly.
Democratic state Rep. Kelly Skidmore criticized the use of public funds for facilities she says do not provide medically accurate information, noting that her HB 6001 legislation to end state funding died without a hearing in the 2026 session.
Community members who attend the dance party will not only enjoy a night of music and costume but also support a faith‑based organization that aligns with many Orlando families’ pro‑life values. The event reflects a broader trend of local groups using popular culture to promote charitable causes rooted in Christian teachings.
What’s next: Tickets are available through the event’s website, and organizers encourage participants to donate additional funds on the night of the dance. The Pregnancy Center of Winter Park plans to use the proceeds to expand its counseling services and outreach programs throughout Central Florida.
Sources: orlandoweekly.com
