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”, said Roger Babolka, CEO of the Stand Like Stone Foundation.
The 8 local “Stars” 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, with 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 8 local stars for 2025
Our stars will be learning dance routines in the months leading up to the big night and raising money for their local community. You can read their bios below and show your support by donating to any of the funds supported by our stars.
We are in the process of recruiting stars!
Support a star
Our 8 local ‘stars’ need your support to raise much needed funds for causes close to their hearts.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip exeasetis commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Support a star
Our 8 local ‘stars’ need your support to raise much needed funds for causes close to their hearts.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip exeasetis commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Become a star
Want to step out of your comfort zone, learn how to dance and raise money for local causes? Get in touch!
Our 8 local 'stars' are given the opportunity to learn dance routines with talented local instructors. It's also a chance to try something different, make new friends, get involved in your wonderful Limestone Coast community and raise funds for a great cause. Why not do something for the greater good and have fun at the same time!
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”, said Roger Babolka, CEO of the Stand Like Stone Foundation.
The 8 local “Stars” 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, with 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.
Latest news
Keep up to date with all the latest news at Stand Like Stone Foundation with everything from new sponsors to developments around grants and scholarships for the people and communities of the Limestone Coast, plus updates on our exciting events.
Celebrating Youth Generosity Across the Limestone Coast
Stand Like Stone Foundation’s Philanthropic School Award Program launched in 2023 has become a cherished tradition across the Limestone Coast, recognising young people who embody kindness, courage and a spirit of generosity within their school communities.
Stand Like Stone Foundation celebrates it’s ‘20 Years of Giving Back’ anniversary
The Stand Like Stone Foundation has celebrated 20 years of giving back to the Limestone Coast with a luncheon attended by 170 supporters from across the region.
Charlie continues Poppy’s legacy through memorial scholarship
Agricultural studies cut tragically short by the death of Tatiara student Poppy Crozier will be continued by her lifelong friend Charlie Hannemann, following his announcement as the first recipient of a Stand Like Stone Foundation memorial scholarship in her honour.
Swinging with the Stars 2025 smashes previous records to raise $211,000
A night of dance and generosity with Adam “Hoggett” Merrett named People’s Choice and Brody Virgo and Amelia Clark taking top honours.
SOLD OUT Swinging With The Stars event to boost Limestone Coast community foundation’s impact
Eight local stars will hit the dance floor at a sold-out gala this Saturday, raising vital funds for Limestone Coast communities through Stand Like Stone’s major annual fundraiser, Swinging With The Stars.
Community giving assists 15 community projects across the Limestone Coast
Just before Christmas last year the Stand Like Stone Foundation awarded $74,374 in grants for 15 community projects that will help support the region. Projects were varied and ranged from supporting school students from the Penola area to undertake accredited driving lessons, providing relief for families in need over Christmas.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal people as the First Nations of these lands and waters of the Limestone Coast. We acknowledge the Elders, past, present and future, and we respect the ongoing deep feelings of attachment and relationships of First Nations people to country.
Artwork by Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr depicting the waterholes, landforms and stones of the Limestone Coast.
