Swinging with the Stars 2024 - Stand Like Stone Foundation

Local Stars shine brightly in Swinging with the Stars 2024

Stand Like Stone’s annual charity fundraising event for the Limestone Coast

The Stand Like Stone Foundation were delighted to, once again, host the annual charity fundraiser at The Barn on Saturday night.

With 550 people attending this year’s event, the crowd danced the night away supporting their local Stars, whilst also raising $139,926.83 for the Stand Like Stone Foundation.

“We can’t thank our community enough for getting behind the Stars and this premier event, year after year. The money raised from the night, and of course the fundraising activities held by the Stars over the last few months, assists the Foundation in providing a critical range of community support across this region. We’re so proud of our community and simply can’t thank everyone enough”, said Roger Babolka, CEO of the Stand Like Stone Foundation.

The 8 local “tars” have spent the past few months learning 4 dance routines under the tutelage of Kim Cella and Keana Soper from Hype Dance, all while raising awareness and funds for the Foundation.

“Kim Cella has again choreographed the dances for the night, and I think everyone was blown away with the standard of the routines this year, with the Judges finding it very difficult to decide. So much so, the Judges had to select the top four dancers for the night, and it got even harder to pick the final winner. They were all just so good”, said Mr Babolka.

“However, a winner has to be chosen on the night, and so the Swinging with the Stars winner for 2024 was announced as Kezia Feast with dance partner Andrew Lockwood. We also announced the People’s Choice Award for 2024 for raising the most money, and this year it was won by Bec Hurst, who has done an amazing effort raising a record amount of $52,730.19”, said Mr Babolka.

“The support this event receives from a wide range of local businesses and individuals year after year is unbelievable, and goes a long way in making the whole night the success it continues to be”, said Mr Babolka.

2024 Stars

Ella Boston: An SSO at Naracoorte High School, raised funds for the Naracoorte & District Sub Fund.
Kezia Feast: A teacher at Allendale East Area School, raised funds for the Steven Noble Memorial Sub Fund.
Nathan McCarthy: A stock agent for Elders raised funds for the Lucindale Area School Sub Fund.
Shekinah Horsburgh: A Grant High School teacher raised funds for the Grant High School Sub Fund.
Tyler Michielan: An electrician with Godrik Construction & Electrical, raised funds for the Stand Like Stone General Sub Fund.
Bec Hurst: A registered nurse and a farmer’s wife, raised funds for the Poppy Crozier Memorial Sub Fund.
Cory O’Connor: A teacher at Penola High School, raised funds for the Penola Coonawarra Wellbeing Sub Fund.
Chris Williams: Owner of Chris Williams Painting, Chris raised funds for the Mental Health & Wellbeing Limestone Coast Sub Fund.

Meet our Stars for 2024

Bec Hurst

Why do you want be a part of Swinging with the Stars?

Why Not??!!! What a fun way to represent my community of Robe and Bray whilst learning to dance, keeping fit and raising money to support the Limestone Coast. Can they teach an old duck new tricks!!!!

I am raising funds for the Stand Like Stone Foundation Poppy Crozier Memorial Sub Fund.

Donate to Bec Hurst (Tax Deductible education fund)

Tyler Michielan

Why do you want be a part of Swinging with the Stars?

I believe it’s going to be a great experience for myself where I learn new skills and meet new people. It will be a great opportunity for me to give back to the community. However, I think the real reason I’m participating is because Kim saw my wicked dance moves one Saturday night and couldn’t resist having me!!!!!

I am raising funds for the Stand Like Stone General Sub Fund.

Donate to Tyler Michielan (Tax deductible)

Donate to Tyler Michielan (Non Tax deductible)

Donate to Tyler Michielan (Tax Deductible education fund)

Kezia Feast

Why do you want be a part of Swinging with the Stars?

I have always watched it really closely and thought it would be something I would always say yes to given the opportunity. I supported a students Dad in 2022 and had the best time so when I was asked by my principal I couldn’t say no.

I am raising funds for the Stand Like Stone Foundation Steven Noble Memorial Sub fund.

Donate to Kezia Feast – Steven Noble Sub Fund (Tax deductible)

Donate to Kezia Feast – Steven Noble Sub Fund (Non tax deductible)

Chris Williams

Why do you want to be a part of Swinging with the Stars?

I am a great community and club person and I am excited to do something good for the community. I am not a dancer and become embarrassed when I have to, so I am stepping outside of my comfort zone to be doing this and I am very much looking forward to it.

I am raising funds for the Mental Health Limestone Coast Sub fund.

Donate to Chris Williams (Tax deductible)

Donate to Chris Williams (Non Tax deductible)

Ella Boston

Why do you want to be a part of Swinging with the Stars?

From a young age I have always loved dancing in my bedroom or around the house. Swinging with the stars gives me the opportunity to do that while also raising money to help benefit others.

I am raising funds for the Naracoorte and District Sub Fund.

Donate to Ella Boston (Tax deductible)

Donate to Ella Boston (Non Tax Deductible)

Nathan McCarthy

Why do you want to be a part of Swinging with the Stars?

I feel that Stand Like Stone is a very good organisation with the communities best interests at heart. I like the way it involves specific parts of different communities groups and organisations. I also look forward to the challenge or getting up in front of some of my friends and family to have a dance, learn some new skills and have a laugh. I am extremely honoured and privileged to be recognised as an ambassador of the Lucindale community and look forward to working with them to raise money for this terrific organisation.

I am raising funds for the Lucindale Area School Sub Fund.

Donate to Nathan McCarthy (Tax Deductible education fund)

Shekinah Horsburgh

Why do you want to be a part of Swinging with the Stars?

My sibling received a scholarship from Stand Like Stone, which helped them move to Melbourne for uni. I always tell my students to go out of their comfort zone, so it’s about time I do the same and it looks like a lots of fun!

I am raising funds for the Grant High School Sub fund.

Donate to Shekinah Horsburgh (Tax Deductible education fund)

Cory O’Connor

I am raising funds for the Penola Coonawarra Wellbeing Sub fund.

Donate to Cory O’Connor (Tax deductible)

Donate to Cory O’Connor (Non tax deductible)

2024 Images courtesy of Christy Radford at With Love Photography

2023 Images courtesy of Christy Radford at With Love Photography

Swinging with the Stars is the key fundraiser for Stand Like Stone, providing an important source of administration funds to keep our community foundation operational. It also raises a significant amount of money that is used for grants and scholarships for the benefit of the people in the Limestone Coast Region.