Agroup of local celebrities will put their best feet forward on the dance floor for Swinging with the Stars to raise funds for the Stand Like Stone Foundation.
The celebrity dance-off is the key fundraiser for the foundation, providing an important source of funding which keeps the community foundation operational, as well as raising a significant amount of funds that are used for important grants and scholarships across the Limestone Coast.
Foundation chief executive Roger Balbolka said the event would be held at The Barn Palais on June 18.
“We’re excited to be able to bring Swinging with the Stars back again this year and our stars are definitely eager to get going and learn how to impress the judges on the dance floor,” he said.
“All the stars for 2022 are passionate about raising funds and awareness for Stand Like Stone and once again will be under the expert tutelage of Kim Cella and the great team at Hype Dance.
“Swinging with the Stars really is an amazing event. Not only do our stars have a lot of fun raising money for Stand Like Stone Foundation, but they do so knowing the money they raise will have a positive and lasting impact for the people of the Limestone Coast through the grants and educational scholarships provided by the foundation.”
The 2022 Stars hitting the dancefloor at the Barn on June 18 will be:
Karen Millington: As a teacher at Mount Gambier High, Karen has seen first-hand the difference a scholarship can make to a young person’s life, which is one of the reasons why Karen has put up her hand for 2022. However, a really bad sense of direction may make for some interesting moves out on the dance floor in June.
Alisha Byrne: An early years educator at Nangwarry Primary School, Alisha believes that life is made to be lived and going outside your comfort zone can pay off and dancing in front of a crowd at The Barn is definitely out of Alisha’s comfort zone.
Matthew Grubb: An apprentice plumber, rugby league and martial arts coach and a dad of four, we think Matt’s already got a lot on moves to show the crowd in June. But being a ‘dance dad’, maybe a few extra lessons at home from his family will give him the edge over the competition.
Felicia Jones: Owner of Birdie Blue, is into fun and fitness and has a passion for making her customers feel and look great, but Felicia is hoping the team at Hype Dance will also make her look good out on the dance floor. Raising awareness around mental health and suicide is the driving force behind Felicia putting her hand up for Swinging with the Stars in 2022.
Erin Launer: A Grant High School teacher who we have been told has some good moves out on a netball court, is hoping some of that will pay-off on the dance floor come June. With Erin also getting married in 2022, it’s looking like a very busy year ahead.
Stu Harvey: Co-owner of BFT Mount Gambier, is no stranger to supporting and encouraging his members to strive for improvements in their health and wellbeing. Stu’s certainly hoping that Kim and the team at Hype can do the same for him, as dancing is not one of his strengths, so we have been told.
Kyra Sykes: With a long interest in the arts and youth mental health, Kyra is looking forward to combining a love for dance and a deep passion for creating an inclusive, sustainable and accessible community. We’re thinking Kyra may be the one to keep an eye out for on the big night.
Cole Hedwards: An apprentice builder, footy coach and two left feet, dancing in front of a crowd at the Barn has never been on Cole’s bucket list, but it is now. Crowned the U.G.L.Y (Understanding, Generous, Likeable You) Bartender of the year a few years back, Cole has a pretty healthy record in raising funds for good causes, so he’s seeing if he can repeat his efforts for Swinging with the Stars in 2022.
