Some local ‘celebrities’ will get the chance to compete and raise funds for a good cause this coming spring.
The second annual Celebrity Dance-Off will be held March 15th at the Sheraton Hotel.
Eight ‘celebrity’ dancers who will compete for the Trophy Ball were named on Sunday and excitement is already building for the fundraising event.
Gloria Beck, owner of Parkland Nurseries will dance with Dale Tosczak, Tera Lee, KG Country Morning co-host is partnered with Brett Speight, Lyn Radford is paired with Andrew Opyrchal and City Councillor Tara Veer is partnered with Dean Stroeder.
Other contestants include Terry Loewen, owner of Platinum Homes who will dance with Natalie Brooks, Gordon Mathers, funeral director and owner of Parkland Funeral Homes is paired with Jody Liptak, Jim McPherson, the 2012 Rotary Citizen of the Year will dance with Jinelle Marshall and Dusty Smith, realtor with the Sutton Group is partnered with Amanda Fleet.
The Red Deer Hospice has been hosting an annual gala for the past 12 years, but changed formats to include the dance-off last year.
“Each dancer is challenged to go out and raise $10,000 on behalf of Hospice. Last year the dancers went above and beyond and raised much more than we anticipated, so that was awesome. We’re hoping we’ll have a sell-out event and we have over 800 seats available,” said Marian Cloutier, fund development and marketing coordinator.
The fundraising event will include a cocktail hour, dinner and the dance competition to follow.
“We have three judges – the format is very similar to Dancing with the Stars – each dance couple comes out and does their dance routine. There is an opportunity for all of the people to vote for their favourite dancer. The judges have about a 25 per cent say who the winners are and the audience has a 75 per cent say.”
Last year’s event raised $180,000 and this year Cloutier said the goal is to raise about $225,000.
“That money goes to the day-to-day operations at the Hospice. It is basically our groceries, heating the building, insurance – all the things that make a home a home. We do have Alberta Health Services as a partner who helps to off-set some of our nursing care, but not all. The gala also goes to help fund whatever nursing care is left over.
“The funds really allow us to run enhanced end of life care.”
Cloutier added she encourages Central Albertans to purchase tickets for the event and support the Red Deer Hospice.
“It’s a great way to support a worthy cause in the community. End of life care is something that is so important and Red Deer Hospice provides that care for all of Central Alberta. It’s also a great night out and wonderful entertainment value.”
Tickets are the event are $200, with $100 of that being eligible for a charitable tax receipt. A table of eight is $1,600. Premier seating is also available and those interested can contact the Red Deer Hospice for more details.
Tickets are currently available online at www.reddeerhospice.com. They will also be available at the Red Deer Hospice after Oct. 22nd.
For more information call the Hospice at 403-309-4344.
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
