Community Hero Award

Burju & Victor Perez

Burju and Victor Perez have been volunteering and supporting Emmaus since 2015.  The pair, former professional Salsa dancers, volunteered to help at Emmaus' first annual "Stepping Out with the Valley Stars" gala.  The event started out small, but with their guidance and expertise, the event has sold-out Blue Ocean Music Hall the last three years and over the last five years, the event has raised more than $400,00 for Emmaus!

In addition to lending their expertise, which includes countless hours of professional dance instruction to local "celebrities" for Emmaus' galas, the pair has also hosted a dance party for children residing in Emmaus' Family Shelter, volunteered with their two young children at the Emmaus Food Distribution Center, and has donated countless in-kind gifts. 

“We take for granted things like having a home all the time,” said Burju Perez. “Emmaus knows how homelessness can impact anyone, anywhere and they work tirelessly to provide resources to people and families in need.”

She added, “For over 15 years my husband and I danced around the world as a career that has afforded us a home. Now we dance to help those in need of a home. And we couldn't do it with a better organization. Emmaus has heart, soul, and they know how to have fun in the name of a good cause.”