FROM the football oval to the ballroom, one of Millicent’s well-known accountants is preparing to show off his fancy footwork for one of the region’s highest profile charity events.
Steve Duldig is set to shine when he participates in “Swinging with the Stars”- the major fundraiser for the Stand Like Stone Foundation held at The Barn on Saturday, June 23.
With no prior dance experience, the event will see Duldig foxtrot from the comfort of his office and the Saints’ backline and swing centre-stage.
“I am bloody nervous about participating in the event, but also excited about the opportunity,” he said.
“I do not even get up and dance at the footy club after a few drinks.”
Duldig added that while the response to his involvement had been “really positive”, some of his mates had also found it “pretty amusing”.
“Most have been really supportive and have offered to help with fundraising where needed,” he said.
“I’m expecting a good turnout of friends and family on the night.”
In addition to supporting a cause that benefits the Limestone Coast community, Duldig believes the extra fitness will be an added benefit of participating.
Despite only participating in one rehearsal, he found that he “got a good sweat up” and feels the scheduled Sunday rehearsals will help with recovery following on from Saturday’s matches.
Duldig is partnered with Katherine Miller and will spend about two weeks on each of the four dances.
He believes his wife, Lisa, and Di Egan are to blame for putting his name forward to participate.
“Tania von Stanke from the Swinging with the Stars organising committee rang to see if I would be interested,” he
said.
“I was a little hesitant at first as it’s way outside my comfort zone, but after thinking about it more and speaking to a past participant I decided it would be a great opportunity.”
Duldig has a few fundraising ideas in the pipeline, and also extends an invitation out to people to provide him with any ideas or assistance if they are interested.
This year will mark the eleventh annual Swinging with the Stars in the Limestone Coast.
All funds raised for Stand Like Stone are held in trust for the benefit of the region and the income earned is granted back to the local community through scholarships and grants for charitable projects.
Since it was established in 2004, Stand Like Stone has distributed more than $1.14m to charitable projects, school students and educational scholarships, benefiting local communities.
Donations to Duldig’s fundraising cause can be made directly in boxes located locally at Since Fifty Six and Hamilton Hateley and Associates on George Street.
To make further donations and to support him as a favourite in the “people’s choice” competition visit www.standlikestone.com.au to make a donation.
Tickets for the event will be available from Chapman’s Newsagency, Mount Gambier, from Monday, May 7.
