Terry Loewen of Platinum Homes and Natalie Brooks of Chair Tease Dance Studio won the second annual Dancing with the Stars fundraiser for the Red Deer Hospice Society.
The pair beat seven other local celebrities teamed with professional dancers at the hospice’s gala on Friday. They included former Citizens of the Year Lyn Radford and Jim McPherson, Gloria Beck of Parkland Nurseries, Tera Lee of CKGY, Gord Mathers of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, city Coun. Tara Veer and realtor Dusty Smith.
This is Brooks’ second win after taking the title last year with city Fire Chief Jack MacDonald.
Loewen also captured the award for most money raised, bringing in $43,300. Veer and her professional partner Brian Senn received the technique award. Judging was by Calgary dance instructor and competitor Martin Lefebvre.
Christine Moore, a hospice board member and gala chairperson, said she won’t know until later this week exactly how much money was raised, but online pledges of $220,000 had already outstripped last year’s total of $180,000.
“I’m very excited and optimistic,” she said, adding nearly 1,000 people attended the event at the Sheraton.