They含羞草研究社檙e not your typical dancers, but they含羞草研究社檙e stars in the eyes of a local charity.
The dedicated work of Lisa and Dave Stephenson will hopefully raise $25,000 for the Central Okanagan Hospice Association (COHA).
A cause near-and-dear to Lisa含羞草研究社檚 heart; she is a volunteer at COHA after her mother died in hospice care almost four years ago.
The Kelowna couple含羞草研究社檚 fundraising journey started several months ago when a friend asked Lisa if she would be interested in the event, Swinging with the Stars.
Recently retired from a career in the tourism industry, Lisa jumped at the opportunity Swing with the Stars, a fundrasing event for COHA.
含羞草研究社淚 was given the opportunity to dance with a choreographer or my husband, and be taught by a professional how to dance,含羞草研究社� said Lisa. 含羞草研究社淪o I signed up me and my husband Dave.含羞草研究社�
A suit-and-tie professional for Sysco Foods, Dave was a little surprised that he was to swing about a room in front of strangers.
含羞草研究社淗e isn含羞草研究社檛 a dancer, but he is doing it for me,含羞草研究社� she explained. 含羞草研究社淗e has been supportive of me and my journey with my mom. I含羞草研究社檝e been a volunteer with hospice for sometime since my mom passed and my family has been beside me the whole way. I couldn含羞草研究社檛 imagine doing this with anyone else but my husband.含羞草研究社�
The two have been practicing with coach Tina Mandl of Oranj Fitness in Kelowna.
含羞草研究社淭his is more about a competition of pride and raising the most money for COHA,含羞草研究社� said Lisa.
Performing as Danny and Sandy from the movie Grease, Lisa and Dave will dance to the song, 含羞草研究社榊ou含羞草研究社檙e the One that I Want含羞草研究社�.
含羞草研究社淲e will be dancing for my mom Dianne, and also for all the loved ones our friends and family have lost.含羞草研究社�
For those that donate to the Stephenson含羞草研究社檚 and have lost a loved one, Dave will write their name on his leather jacket that he will wear the night of the show.
含羞草研究社淚t will be quite a moment when Dave walks onto the dance floor in that jacket,含羞草研究社� exclaimed Lisa.
Hoping for a final push to meet their goal, Lisa wants the public to understand how important COHA is to the region.
含羞草研究社淐OHA含羞草研究社檚 mission is to offer compassionate care, comfort, support and learning to those who are dying or grieving within our community,含羞草研究社� she said. 含羞草研究社淭heir vision is to create a community where no one has to die or grieve alone.含羞草研究社�
As a volunteer, Lisa is a part of many families journey at hospice and knows what they are going through and can help navigate the difficult path of death.
Swinging with the Stars takes place March 18, at the grand Okanagan Resort, tickets are $200 each with a $75 tax receipt.
To learn more about Team Stephenson含羞草研究社檚 story and to donate
For those interested in donating, your name will also be entered into a draw to win:
- Prestige Hotels and Resorts 含羞草研究社� Two nights accommodation at one of the waterfront resorts (Sooke, Nelson, or Salmon Arm) valued at $600
- Kelowna Actors Studio 含羞草研究社� VIP tickets for four including a show, dinner and wine, valued at $550
- Cactus Club (Downtown Kelowna) 含羞草研究社� VIP food and beverage tasting for four, valued at $200
