Cha-cha, jiving, and even the hip-hop is literally hitting the streets once again with local celebrities gearing up for Kelowna’s 5th Annual Swinging with the Stars” event.
This past successful fundraiser will take place Saturday, March 2, at the Coast Capri Hotel ballroom.
The event is based on the popular television show “Dancing with the Stars,” pairing professional dance instructors with local celebrities in a fundraising event in support of Central Okanagan Hospice Association.
Due to popular demand, more seating is available this year to offer more tickets to the public than in the past.
“The event has become the ‘talk of the town’ in its popularity,” explained Swinging with the Stars coordinator Jan Woolsey. “We had no idea this event would have such longevity. We are heading into our 5th year and already have dancing stars lined up for 2014. Interested dancers are approaching us so we know there is still life in this event.”
Local celebrities for 2013 who will strut their stuff on the dance floor will include the general manager at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort Daniel Bibby and his wife Christy, a certified education assistant; youth motivational speaker Chantelle Adams; Jane Hoffman, realtor with Coldwell Banker; Lyle Isenor, employee benefits consultant with Encompass Benefit and HR Solutions; Lane Shupe, professional meeting coordinator and community fundraiser; and Toby Tannas, CHBC News Anchor.
The dancing stars are now “in training” with at least 10 hours of preparation from local Kelowna professional dance instructors. The professional dance instructors involved this year include Chris Thorburn, Kelowna Ballroom; Sharon Sebo, Dance4Life; Sharon Delparte and Barry Wilson, White Tie and Tails Dance Productions; Carley Bailey, Canadian School of Ballet; and Sam Galvez, Mi Salsa.
The dancers showcase their choreographed routine at the event and the audience in attendance will vote for their favourite dancer that night. Following the same premise as the TV show, there will be three judges on hand to present their comments on the performance. Three trophies will be presented – Most Pledges Raised, Audience Choice and Judges Choice.
“Not many events bring the whole community together as this one does and we are most grateful for the support that this event brings to our organization” said Susan Steen, executive director of the Central Okanagan Hospice Association (COHA)
Another facet of the competition is an opportunity for all of Kelowna to get involved by pledging for their favorite celebrity on the Hospice website, www.kelownahospice.org
Tickets are $200 and available at the COHA office, 104-1456 St. Paul St., or by calling 250-763-5511.
The Central Okanagan Hospice Association is a community-based non-profit organization that provides services and supports, through trained volunteers, to individuals living with our dying from advanced illnesses and their loved ones.
