EIGHT regional personalities will compete in a sold-out gala dance-off this Saturday night as Swinging With The Stars returns to The Barn.
This year’s eight stars have been leading a packed social calendar of fundraisers across the Limestone Coast over recent months ahead of strutting their dance moves to a capacity audience of over 500 people.
Stand Like Stone Foundation’s annual major fundraiser will see the stars progress from rehearsals and fundraising campaigns to competing on the dancefloor in a glamourous night of entertainment.
All funds raised by stars in the lead-up and on the night supports their chosen Stand Like Stone cause-based sub-funds to increase the impact of the Limestone Coast’s community foundation.
This year’s volunteer stars are Adam Smith, Sarah Laurie, Sofie Maiorano, Samantha Brown, Josh Hancock, Brody Virgo, Adam “Hoggett” Merrett and Ailie Staples.
Stars have been partnered with accomplished local dancers and developed their techniques in rehearsals with Envy Dance Studio over recent months under the guidance of Tamara Kilsby.
A unique band of leading Limestone Coast musicians has been assembled by Dale Cleves OAM to provide a thrilling soundtrack to the night, led by vocalist Tamara Seeley.
This year’s event has been supported by a range of businesses and other contributors, with Ray White Mount Gambier, Robe and Penola stepping up as the event partner.
Ray White principal Tahlia Gabrielli said she was proud to contribute to a foundation that empowers the Limestone Coast community to create lasting change and strong connections.
“We are grateful for such broad support from businesses across the region and the inspiring commitment of our stars and their partners,” Stand Like Stone Foundation chair Georgie McKay said.
“This event raises vital funds to boost the community foundation’s sub-funds so that we can do more to support diverse grassroots causes across the Limestone Coast and build the capacity of our region.”
More than $1m has been raised since Stand Like Stone’s inaugural Swinging With The Stars event in 2008. A long-standing presence in the Limestone Coast, Stand Like Stone provides grants and scholarships to empower communities to undertake locally led work, support community groups to meet local needs and assists students to achieve their academic and professional goals.
Sofie Maiorano, multi-talented barista, receptionist and interior / joinery designer, raising funds for the Penola Coonawarra Wellbeing sub fund. Growing up Sofie wanted to be a bus driver and drive all her friends to the local shopping centre, now having recently moved to the Penola area, Sofie is enjoying being involved in the community.
Sarah Laurie, Robe fair trade clothing retailer, supporting the newly created Robe and Districts sub fund, dancing to give back to the community and to experience something Sarah never thought she would be approached to do!
Samantha Brown, teacher and softball extraordinaire, is supporting the Mount Gambier High School educational scholarship sub fund. A previous classical ballet enthusiast Samantha is dancing to give back and support Mount Gambier High School students.
Josh Hancock, farmer and weekend sailor, began his dancing “career” at the Reedy Creek old time dances as a kid, then Kingston and Naracoorte Blue Light Discos. Josh is raising funds for the Kingston Community School educational scholarship sub fund. He’s likes dancing and it felt right to say YES!
Brody Virgo, self-confessed nerd and maths coordinator at Tenison, is raising funds for the sub fund that speaks most to him – the Limestone Coast Agri-Links Mental Health Sub Fund. Brody is dancing to give the students another reason to laugh at him and to step out of his comfort zone.
Ailie Staples, accountant, is dancing to raise funds for the Steven Noble Memorial sub fund, to have fun, put herself out of her comfort zone and to try something different.
Adam Smith, youth and mental health worker, raising funds to support the future of arts and trades through the Lorry Humphreys Arts & Trades Sub Fund. Adam’s goal is to give what he can to make the world a better place, even if it means stepping out of his comfort zone and dancing!
Adam (Hoggett) Merrett, Merrett Logging superstar, makes his own songs up in the shower and dances in the supermarket. Is dancing to raise funds for the Penola Coonawarra Wellbeing Sub Fund.