STARS have aligned for yet another year of fundraising for the Stand Like Stone Foundation with eight contestants putting their hand up for the annual Swinging with the Stars.
A dance contest and the foundation’s main fundraising event, Swinging with the Stars will culminate at the Barn Palais on June 18.
Contestant, Alisha Byrne said she was looking forward to connecting with people while also giving back to the community.
“I am hoping to step outside of my comfort zone while raising money for the local community,” said the early years educator at Nangwarry Primary School.
“I am excited for the challenge and showing my kids and many others in my life that anything is achievable if you work hard at it.”
Apprentice plumber, rugby league and martial arts coach Matthew Grubb loved the idea of supporting and developing local youth.
“Helping youth is something I have become quite passionate about and I have been able to do some work through sporting ventures but this is a new opportunity to do something,” Mr Grubb said.
“On a personal level I am also fond of challenging myself.”
Grant High School teacher Erin Launer said she was also looking forward to the annual event after always being interested in the work the foundation does within the community.
“I have experienced it through being a teacher and the support the Stand Like Stone foundation has given to students and families within my school communities,” Ms Launer said.
“I am keen to be able to be an ambassador for the foundation and help raise much needed funds for the Grant High School sub-fund.”
Apprentice builder Cole Hedwards said he thought it would be a great opportunity to get out of his comfort zone.
“I have two left feet when it comes to dancing and I have been really enjoying the practice so far,” Mr Hedwards said.
Mount Gambier High School teacher Karen Millington said she signed up for the event to further support her own students after observing the benefits of the foundation’s grants herself.
“The students I work with use the grants for school uniforms and further education,” Ms Millington said.
“I am looking forward to having the opportunity to help the kids and put some money into the sub-fund so there is more available for the kids to access.”
Birdie Blue owner Felicia Jones said she decided to join to help raise funds for mental health in the community’s youth.
“I am looking forward to all my close friends being there on the night to support what I am doing while also having a ball,” Ms Jones said.
“I know how much fun it is and know my friendship group will be a huge support for what I am doing.”
Community member and avid artist Kyra Sykes was also looking forward to the night, saying that she had been eager on featuring in the fundraising event after being a former dancer herself.
“I am looking forward to bringing my own edge to the event by performing as my drag persona Loveit Murray and dancing with my female partner Mikaela,” Kyra said.
“The challenge for me will be learning to dance the traditional male role and perform with a partner as I am used to dancing solo.”
BTF Fitness co-owner Stu Harvey said he also decided to join in on the fun to get involved with the wider community of the Limestone Coast and contribute to the various funds and sub-funds for those who needs them.
He said he was looking forward to finishing his first personal fundraiser at the local studio where for every dollar raised he will match it in calories on gym equipment.
