The stars have been lined up for the 2012 Dancing with the Vernon Stars.
Now in its fifth year, this fundraiser is bringing out 10 dancing pairs for the theme of “Believe,” and participants believe they have what it takes to win one of the two coveted trophies: Community Favourite for the dancers that secure the most votes and Overall Winner, determined by a combination of judges’ scores and total votes.
Organizers are now looking for local sponsors, working with Wayside Printing to create the souvenir magazine/program, and reaping the expertise of local behind-the-scenes technicians while the local celebrity dancers are perfecting their dance moves.
Galina Labun (Vantage One Credit Union) and husband Daniel are “ideal for the dramatic Tango,” says instructor/organizer Lorna Robb from Cheek to Cheek Dance Studio. “You can be sure that they will heat up the dance floor with their costumes and chemistry.”
Mayor Rob Sawatzky is very suave in his Foxtrot with Robb.
“I knew he was fit but was pleasantly surprised at the great feel he has for music. I can’t say more than that without giving away our routine,” said Robb with a smile.
Vernon newcomer, dance instructor/fitness expert Tracy Holly from The Cory Holly Institute is teaching another Vernon politician. You can see Coun. Brian Quiring and wife Dorothy in their premiere dance performance doing the waltz for the North Okanagan Hospice Society fundraiser.
“Only three more months,” said Robb to all the dancers who include: Richard Finn (Wayside Printing); Annette Sharkey (Social Planning Council) and partner Cliff Lattery; Angie and Matt Tumlinson (The Sprouted Fig); Dennis Beaton (Watkin Motors); Darcy Sochan (Century 21); George Duffy (Vernon Chamber of Commerce) and wife Alanna; Valerie Blundell (North Okanagan Hospice Society) and partner Myles Ferryman.
Robb has experienced the North Okanagan Hospice Society first-hand.
“We are so fortunate to have this wonderful place in our community,” she said. “In March 2011 my dad died at the North Okanagan Hospice Society in a peaceful, respectful, comfortable way.
“In June of this year I was in Ontario for the end of my mother’s life and we tried to give her a similar experience. There was no such place where she lived. There was a palliative care wing in the hospital and the staff there were fantastic, but it made me realize how incredible the community is in Vernon and what a treasure we have here in the local Hospice House.”
Tickets and voting for Dancing with the Vernon Stars will start in August. Make sure you save the date for this annual sold-out event: Oct. 5 at the Recreation Centre auditorium. For more information, please contact Robb at 250-545-6539 or lorna@dancecheektocheek.com
