BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — United Motorcoach Association Chairman Alan Thrasher is trading his suit and tie for sequins and dancing shoes as he joins Dancing With the Stars of the Magic City, the annual fundraiser benefitting First Light Women and Children’s Shelter in Birmingham.
The event, set for Nov. 6 at the historic Lyric Theatre, will serve as the major community fundraiser for UMA in advance of the 2026 UMA Motorcoach EXPO, which will be held in Birmingham Feb. 11–14. The EXPO will bring the national motorcoach industry to the Magic City, and Thrasher hopes to use the spotlight to rally industry colleagues behind a meaningful local cause.
Thrasher, co-owner of Thrasher Brothers Trailways, has been paired with Toni Dennis, director of City Walk BHAM and co-founder of Magic City Disco, to compete for the Torch People’s Choice Award, given to the team that inspires the most financial support for First Light. Every dollar donated counts as a vote for their team.
“Please help us win by raising funds that support the general yearly budget of a critical service for homeless women in Birmingham,” Thrasher said.
The fundraiser is organized by the First Light Young Partners Board, which brings together community leaders each year to dance, entertain, and raise awareness. The event will be livestreamed at 6:30 p.m. CST, allowing supporters to tune in from across the country.
Supporting emergency housing
First Light, founded in 1998, provides emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and essential programs for women and children experiencing homelessness. The organization’s downtown Birmingham facility offers 38 emergency beds and nine in-house permanent housing units, with plans to renovate another floor to provide 24 additional beds.
As UMA Chairman, Thrasher has chosen First Light as the association’s charity partner leading up to EXPO 2026. UMA Members are encouraged to contribute through October and during the EXPO itself, where the organization plans to present First Light with a donation representing the support of the motorcoach industry.
“The goal for UMA is to raise funds through October for the contest, then continue to raise funds during EXPO at Topgolf to present First Light with a big check,” Thrasher said. “This way, we will know how much UMA members have contributed to help women and children who suddenly find themselves homeless.”
First Light is a 501(C)3, and contributions are tax deductible. Donations can be made online. https://firstlightstars.swell.gives/fundraisers/alanthrasherand.tonidennis
“Please help us help them,” Thrasher said. “Each dollar is a vote — and every vote makes a difference.”
Follow updates on social media at @dwtsmagiccity, @firstlightshelter, and @unitedmotorcoach.
