Red Deer’s version of Dancing with the Stars was such a great fundraising success that plans are already in the works for next year.
Eight Red Deer celebrities put on their dancing shoes to raise money for the Red Deer Hospice Society at the Red Deer Sheraton on Friday.
Gala co-chairperson Christine Moore said the first Celebrity Dance Off, at the hospice’s annual fundraiser, went amazingly well.
They got great support — over 740 people attended and everything went well above expectations.
“We said we would be happy if we raised $130,000 but I can say we made over that by a long shot,” said Moore.
“We are just so grateful to everybody for their participation and support.
“We wanted to do something different and engage people in a fun way.”
The winners had the crowd on their feet and did an amazing job, said Moore.
Red Deer Fire Chief Jack McDonald and professional dancing partner Natalie Brooks were given top marks for their dance number.
An award was also presented to the celebrity dancer who raised the most money, which went to Corine Sim of Chatters Salon.
Each of the eight celebrity dancers were asked to raise $10,000 and in total they raised just under $114,000, said Moore.
“I am just so grateful to all those who participated and would like to thank them for helping the cause,” added Moore.
“Everybody did so well and it went over and above expectations.”
The event was such a hit that there are already people signing up to dance at next year’s gala, which has been confirmed for March 15, 2013, at the Sheraton.
Moore said one of the contestants and general manager of the Sheraton, Gil Valleé, told her there has never been such electricity and excitement at an event in the facility.
The final fundraising numbers weren’t completely tallied by Monday but Moore is confident this was the best fundraiser ever for the Red Deer Hospice Society.
cpapke@www.reddeeradvocate.com