COMMUNITY RAISES OVER $464,000 FOR
CENTRAL OKANAGAN HOSPICE ASSOCIATION
Kelowna, BC, February 26, 2019 ~ The Central Okanagan Hospice Association (COHA) is proud to announce that the 11th Annual Swinging with the Stars presented by Jane Hoffman Group, Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty which took place on February 23, 2019 raised a record $464,439.
“This was an incredible way to celebrate the 11th year anniversary,” comments Natasha Girard, Executive Director, Central Okanagan Hospice Association. “We are very thankful to our dancers who stepped up to raise money, our sponsors, guests and generosity from our community; to help us reach for the stars; the funds raised this year shattered all previous fundraising and now puts the event in at raising $2.2 million for the Central Okanagan Hospice Association.”
Eleven years of fundraising was marked with the theme “Showtime” and continued with all the glitz and glamour this signature event has become known for. The 11th edition welcomed a record-breaking attendance of over 500 people taking in the event.
The 2019 Stars who learned new dances, got out of their comfort zones and helped raise funds for COHA included:
Singles/Couples Category:
- Jane Hoffman and Reginald Sahay (won Most Funds Raised trophy)
- Diane Rule
- Tom Dyas
- Blake Harper (won Judges’ Choice and Audience Choice trophies)
- Kathy Weninger
Team Category:
- Dancing with Dignity (Dignity Memorial) (won Audience Choice trophy)
- Women of Westwood (Westwood Fine Cabinetry) (won Judges’ Choice trophy)
- Grape Stompers (Summerhill Pyramid Winery)
- Operation Dance (Kelowna General Hospital)
- Kitchen Party (Edgecomb Builders, Okanagan Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Apex Sand and Gravel, Norelco Cabinets) (won Most Funds Raised trophy)
COHA would like to also thank all of the 2019 Swinging with the Stars sponsors, without them this event would not be able to be as successful as it was. Sponsors include: Jane Hoffman Group, Coldwell Banker Horizon Realthy, Smalls Tile and Flooring, Touchstone Law Group LLP, Bylands Garden Centre, Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, RBC Royal Bank, RBC Wealth Management Dominion Securities, Restore Dermapure, SW Event Technology, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Bell Media, Kelowna InstaPrint, Castanet Media, Okanagan Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, Innov8 Digital Solutions, The Canadian School of Ballet, Company B, Okanagan PHOTOSTAR FIVE STAR photo booth rentals, Myrna Park, Prestige Oceanfront Resort Sooke, Pacific Coastal Airlines, Westin Bear Mountain Resort & Sante Fe Spa, Olympic View Golf Club, Five Star Whale Watching, Okanagan Chef’s Association, Flair Airlines, Nootka Island Lodge, Air Nootka, Amici’s Salon Hair, Oranj Fitness, LUKI Dance Productions, Warren Eaton Dance, The Village Dance Academy, Leona from Kelowna, Desiree Bortolussi, Creator’s Arts Centre, World Gym Fitness Centre, Kelowna Ballroom, Loys Lujan, Loyal Hair Therapy, Pomme Salon, Voth Photoraphy, Trellis, Western Star Auctions, MC College, Jenny McKinney Makeup Artist, B Jollie Artistry, Ciao Bella Cosmetics, Europa Salon and Day Spa, Bailey Strand Aristry, Femme Fatale. Special thanks to our judges, Stephen Fuhr, MP, Lucy Hazelwood and Shelley Small and emcees Chris Gibson and Karly Fiddes.
Planning for the 2020 edition has begun with recruitment for the dancers, line-up now underway. If you or your business is interested in being a part of the 2020 Swinging with the Stars contact Natasha Girard, Central Okanagan Hospice Association 250.763.5511.
About Central Okanagan Hospice Association
The Central Okanagan Hospice Association (COHA) serves the Central Okanagan from Peachland to Lake Country. Offering compassionate supportive care programs where people need it when they need it. In partnership with the Central Okanagan Hospice Palliative Care Program of Interior Health, COHA is committed to “Helping people with a serious illness live to the fullest until they die, and to help their loved ones to be supported in their grief.” Trained volunteers are across the Central Okanagan supporting individuals and families in long term care facilities, at Kelowna General Hospital, Central Okanagan Hospice House, in private homes and at the COHA August Centre. Volunteers are the heart of hospice and are very compassionate and dedicated in providing emotional, social, spiritual and practical support. Services by COHA also include professional counselling provided at no cost.
