Over $68k Raised for Shuswap Hospice
Shelley and Shawn Desautels - Castanet Photo
Just… wow.
I am thrilled to see that this year's Dancing with the Shuswap Stars event was such a huge success. It was amazing to see the community come together to support Shuswap Hospice and enjoy a night of dancing and entertainment.
Last year, we teamed up with Shuswap Hospice and Song Sparrow Hall to go online with the event, but in-person is waaaaaay more fun.
The hard work and dedication of the dancers, organizers, and volunteers truly shone through, and the event exceeded all expectations by raising over $68,000.
Even though she is mentioned in the article, I have to give another shout-out to Liz Blair for coming in at the eleventh hour and absolutely crushing the gig. Thank you for taking my call!
Big ups to Phil Wesle for setup and takedown, Matt Schafer for lighting, and Althea Mongerson for takedown and moral support. These events can’t happen without a team, and I love mine!
I am grateful to be part of such a supportive and generous community, and can't wait to see what next year's event will bring.
For more info about Shuswap Hospice: http://www.shuswaphospice.ca/
From Tracey Prediger via Castanet:
“They were treated to the paso doble, salsa and a traditional waltz as part of Dancing with the Shuswap Stars over the weekend.
The event is the Shuswap Hospice’s biggest fundraiser of the year and, according to organizers, this year exceeded all expectations.
The event raised more than $68,000, making it the most successful 'dancing' ever.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this event − from the dancers, to the sponsors, to the volunteers, right down to everyone who bought a star vote for their favourite contestant, or came out to enjoy the party,” says organizing chair Carl Flatman.
The pandemic saw last year’s event live streamed and completely canceled the show in 2020.
This year marked the event’s return to Salmon Arm's SASCU Recreation Centre.
“It was wonderful to have a full house back at the community centre to enjoy the dance performances and for all the guests to get back out on the dance floor themselves,” added Flatman.
Local DJ Liz Blair is being credited with a last-minute rescue after illness prevented the scheduled band, The Legendary Lake Monsters, from performing.
And, of course, there are kudos to the performers.
“Without the dancers, we have nothing,” says Tracy Hughes, who led the dancer recruitment efforts.
“We deeply appreciate all the dancers who have put themselves out there to entertain the crowd and bring in funds to support Hospice. We are already looking ahead to find new dancers who would be willing to do the same.”
Hughes says she’s already started to recruit for next year. Contact her at thughes7@telus.net.”
