Local Stars shine brightly in Swinging with the Stars 2024
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, 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.
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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.
