There was plenty of laughter, and also tears, as the fourth annual Bega Valley Stars Dance for Cancer hit the dancefloor.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Seven Bega Valley 'stars' and their dance partners played to a sold-out Club Sapphire auditorium on Saturday night, August 31.
There was some great dancing...some not so much...but it was all a lot of fun and all in the name of charity, with just under $30,000 being raised.
Money raised by each star's own fundraising as well as ticket sales, raffles and donations on the night, will go to the Cancer Council NSW to further their efforts in research and support programs.
Several of the initiatives supported by fundraising like this inckluded the Cancer Council's 13 11 20 confidential support line, financial assistance offered to cancer patients and their families, and the Transport to Treatment program.
We're really thankful for the support of the community...It's such a fun way to fundraise.
- Ainslie Tweedie, Cancer Council NSW Southern Region
Australian Community Media sales manager Tim Shinnick left his dancing shoes - and pants - behind to hit the floor in a Risky Business-Tom Cruise routine, while Lily Warby lost a high heel shoe on her first twirl with ballroom dance partner Dave Boulton, but didn't miss a beat and barely anyone noticed.
Firefighter Garry Cooper claimed both the biggest fundraiser and best dressed awards on the night. His EverydayHero page saw more than $7400 raised before he even hit the dancefloor with Sam McGovern in a hot Latin routine that literally had the fire alarms going off.
Emma Keft picked up the people's choice award for her rock'n'roll performance with Guye Richards.
Meanwhile, an emotional performance by Hannah White and dance teacher Ray McGovern was the pick for the judges on the night.
She danced in tribute to her five-year-old son Joshie, who died from a rare childhood cancer just before Christmas. Images of Joshie were projected on the stage as they danced, and then a short video of him doing his own dance had the audience in tears, before the entire room rose as one to perform his favourite "chicken dance".
Community relations coordinator with Cancer Council NSW Southern Region Ainslie Tweedie said it had been another fanastic community event.
"We're really thankful for the support of the community, the guests enjoyed themselves, the dancers all put in a lot of effort," she said.
"It's such a fun way to fundraise."
In fact, it was so much fun, Ms Tweedie said several audience members had already made approaches to be next year's "stars" and she was just about to call Club Sapphire to book in a date for next year's event.