Meet the Crew
We're incredibly fortunate to have a phenomenal team that ensures our dances are truly unforgettable.
Joyce Gilette & Robin Smith
The Dynamic Duo Behind Our Charity Success
Two Women, Two Lifetimes of Service
Joyce Gilette and Robin Smith come from different worlds — Joyce from South Philadelphia and Robin from Crown Heights, Brooklyn — yet their paths eventually led them to The Villages, where they quickly became inseparable friends and an unstoppable charitable team.
Joyce Gilette
A Lifelong Fundraiser With Boundless Energy
Joyce grew up in South Philadelphia and has been happily married to her husband, Lou, for 48 years. Together, they raised two sons and now enjoy four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Petite, energetic, and youthful beyond her years, Joyce is often mistaken for being in her 50s—and she certainly has the spark and stamina to match.
Her passion for helping others began at age eight, when she set up a lemonade stand to buy a gift for an injured friend. Throughout her life, she has been a:
3rd grade teacher
Controller for a law firm
Public relations manager for nonprofit organizations
Fundraiser for numerous Jersey Shore charities
Later, she returned to school for her nursing degree, working as a hospital aide to pay for her education. She went on to spend 24 years as a nurse manager, working night shifts and later focusing on Alzheimer’s and hospice care—her true calling.
After moving to The Villages in 2012, her remarkable organizational skills and tireless work ethic caught the attention of Dollars for Scholars, where she became president in 2019. She planned major fundraisers including golf tournaments, Starry Night performances, concerts, Jukebox Bingo events, and more.
Robin Smith
Compassion in Action and a Heart for Seniors
Robin grew up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. In high school she was a “jockette,” excelling in multiple sports and dreaming of becoming a PE teacher. She earned her BS in Physical Education, but with teaching jobs scarce, she pivoted to nursing and completed a second BS degree.
She worked as a ward clerk and administrative assistant while studying, eventually specializing in Long Term Care and geriatrics—where her warm, compassionate personality made her a perfect fit.
In 1980 she married her beloved husband, Allan, and together they raised two sons—one now a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force, the other a former Coast Guardsman and now a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
After moving to The Villages in 2012, Robin continued nursing at a Lady Lake rehab center until her retirement. Soon after, she joined her neighborhood club—and everything took off from there.
A Friendship That Changed Our Community
The day Joyce and Robin met, they clicked instantly. Their shared values, energy, and humor created a bond that quickly turned into a powerful partnership. They finish each other’s sentences, brainstorm endlessly, and energize every project they touch. People lovingly call them Thelma & Louise—but to us, they are truly the Dynamic Duo.
Together, they have:
Coordinated countless charity events
Organized neighborhood socials, club activities, and golf outings
Created the Dancing Divas group for friendship and fun
Brought joy, creativity, and purpose to every project
The Heart of DWOP & Friends:
Their Extraordinary Charity Baskets
One of the greatest gifts Joyce and Robin bring to our DWOP & Friends charity dances is their creation of our spectacular raffle baskets.
Together, they:
Scour thrift stores throughout The Villages, Leesburg, and surrounding areas
Seek donations from neighbors and local businesses
Handcraft items to add charm and personality
Curate every basket with style, care, and imagination
These baskets aren’t just decorative displays—they are true works of art that help raise meaningful funds for the charities we support. Thanks to their dedication, local seniors, families, veterans, children, and individuals in need receive much-needed help.
We encourage everyone to support their efforts by donating items for future baskets. Every contribution helps lift a life.
A Team Like No Other
Whether planning the next event, laughing through a late-night crafting session, or dreaming up new fundraising ideas, Joyce and Robin bring unmatched heart and enthusiasm to our community.
Their friendship is a gift. Their service is a blessing.
And their work fuels the charitable mission of DWOP & Friends. Together, they truly are the Dynamic Duo — making a difference one basket, one event, and one act of kindness at a time.
50/50 Raffle Royalty
Will and Judy Landolfi
We’d like to take a moment to shine the spotlight on two very special people who help make our DWOP and Friends dances run so smoothly—Will and Judy Landolfi, our beloved 50/50 raffle royalty!
Will and Judy have been married for 47 years and have called The Villages home for the past 16. Together, they co-founded a lifestyle club called DooWop South, where Will served as treasurer. It was there that their journey with the 50/50 raffle began—and it’s safe to say they’ve perfected the process ever since!
They thoughtfully experimented with jars and ticket styles to find what worked best for our guests, ultimately selecting larger-numbered tickets for easier reading and a tried-and-true system for fairness and fun. Their attention to detail, dedication, and welcoming energy have made them legends in our community—so much so that they are known across The Villages as the king and queen of the 50/50 raffle.
Their love for supporting local talent is unmatched. They’re out nearly every night, attending shows and cheering on our performers. At home, they’ve even dedicated a room as their Wall of Fame, filled with photos of the entertainers they admire and support. And if there’s one group that holds a special place in their hearts, it’s the beloved DooWop legends The Duprees—a musical favorite they never tire of.
Earlier this year, Will suffered a serious golf cart accident, and the Landolfis had to step away from their duties for several months. While we missed them dearly, we are deeply grateful to Jackie and Junior Nisivoccia, who stepped in and kept our raffle going strong during that time. Thank you both for your generosity and willingness to help!
Now, we’re happy to say Will and Judy are back behind the raffle table where they belong—bringing joy, enthusiasm, and their signature style to every event.
Please join us in thanking Will and Judy for all they do. We are truly lucky to have them as part of our dance family!
Photographer
Tom and Barbara Ciesla
Meet Tom and Barbara Ciesla—the talented duo behind the incredible photos that capture our favorite moments. 📸 This amazing couple has been together for nearly 60 years, having met just out of college. Both dedicated their careers to teaching and counseling, making a lasting impact on countless students.
Tom’s passion for photography started as a hobby, taking school portraits before expanding to weddings and special events. Lucky for us, he now shares that gift by preserving the best memories of our dances and performances. You’ve likely seen him at every event, camera in hand, capturing the magic of Blast from the Past , Forever Young. and DWOP and Friends Dances.
But they don’t stop there—Tom and Barbara are always among the first to arrive, helping us set up, and the last to leave, staying to tear down after every event. Beyond their love for photography, they are also avid travelers. This April, they’ll miss our event because they’ll be off on another adventure—this time exploring Asia! 🌏
We are so grateful for your generosity, dedication, and endless support. Thank you, Tom and Barbara, and safe travels! ❤️✈️
Financial Manager
Carol Johnson
Leading the charge is Carol Johnson, our exceptional financial manager. With a distinguished career as the former owner of her own title insurance company, Carol has expertly closed thousands of real estate transactions, handling millions of dollars with precision. Her decades of experience shine through in her efficient time-saving strategies. From safeguarding your information to meticulously managing ticket sales and deposits, Carol ensures everything runs seamlessly. Rest assured, she's got your back if you misplace your ticket.
Designer
Pat Mannino
We are thrilled to introduce Pat Mannino, the creative genius behind all the stunning decorations for our themed dances. Her talent for designing and crafting beautiful decor, particularly her fantastic photo booths, sets the perfect ambiance for our events.
Pat has an extraordinary knack for finding great bargains on craft supplies and materials, ensuring our decorations are always top-notch without exceeding our budget. Her resourcefulness and creativity truly shine in every project she undertakes.
Not only is she a master of design, but Pat is also one of the hardest workers we know. She’s always the first to arrive and the last to leave, making sure every detail is perfect. Her dedication and commitment are truly inspiring, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team.
Join us in celebrating the incredible work she does to make our themed dances unforgettable. When you see her at the dance, tell her what a great job she does!
And if you'd like to join her team, just drop us a line and say you wanna help.
We use cookies to improve your experience and to help us understand how you use our site. Please refer to our cookie notice and privacy policy for more information regarding cookies and other third-party tracking that may be enabled.
© 2020 Your brand name