Dancing with the Locals Raises Money for Can Assist

Dancing couple Terry Ricketts and June Howe were winners of both the fundraising and dancing sections of the Can Assist Dancing with the Locals competition. Seven couples practiced their routines weekly for months, culminating in performances over two nights on Friday the 16th and Saturday the 17th of August. Close to 500 people attended over the two nights to watch the couples take to the stage.

The couples were Terry Ricketts and June Howe, Leigh Butt and Jenny Polimeni, Richard Fleming and Maryanne Fitzgerald, Greg Jamieson and Vicki Fairfield-Smith, Adam Walsh and Kirsty Kemp, Rod Cooper and Caron Cantrill and Jack O’Connor and Georgia Murray.

Each couple performed a routine and were judged by the audience over the two nights. During the Saturday night performance, judging was also conducted by guest judges Christine Edwards, Lloyd Keenan and David Hall.

As well as their dance routines, the couples also fundraised for Can Assist. Fundraising efforts included wood raffles, mufti bowls, raffles and Ladies Days at the rugby league and rugby union as well as donation boxes and a crowdraiser on the platform GiveNow. Over the course of the two nights, meat trays very kindly donated by Richard Crookes Construction were auctioned off at astounding prices, along with other vouchers donated by various local businesses. The main raffle with the 1st prize of artwork donated by local artist Sue Leitner was won by Joan Porter. Just over $50 000 has been raised so far.

Harden’s Can Assist President Carol Barker was the instigator of the very successful weekend and she along with the Committee members were absolutely blown away by the support shown by the community and would like to thank everyone for their generosity and overwhelming support.

DVDs of Saturday night’s performance are still available to order. Cost is $20 with $5 going to Can Assist. To order a copy, call Carol on 0433 803 794 or Maxine on 0407 407 085 after 5pm.

• Topics:

• Fundraising and Charitable Causes