A number of local businesses will be represented on the dance floor in this year's Dancing with the Shuswap Stars fundraiser for the Shuswap Hospice Society.
The line-up of community-minded dancers who are taking part in the 2024 event were recently announced by the Dancing with the Shuswap Stars committee.
Contestants in the Amateur Couples category are:
• Chris and Chrisi Davis – Chris is dealer principal at Braby Motors and Chrisi is the director of member experience at SASCU. The couple are experienced as spectators in the world of dance competitions, having devoted countless hours to supporting their daughters, Tenley, and Kendra. Now, it’s their turn to step into the spotlight.
• Marc and Meaghan Zaichkowsky – Owners/ operators of Ricochet Brewing and their new Richochet Brewing Taphouse in downtown Salmon Arm. Marc is also the Fire Chief for the Tappen Sunnybrae Fire Department and Meaghan is the PAC president and her kids’ elementary school. Despite their other obligations, raising money for Shuswap Hospice is very important to them.
• Arya Javdani and Amanda Steiner – A career and community-focused couple, Arya is a RE/MAX realtor and Amanda co-owns Silver Stream Construction. While they are intensely career focused, Amanda and Arya also prioritize giving back to the
community, and are eager to support Shuswap Hospice in their efforts to support the dying and bereaved members of our community.
• Kate Boutilier and Peter Chalick – The couple own Flake Patisserie, with Kate being a recent entry on the TV show, Spring Baking Challenge. Peter also works in helping those with addictions. While Kate has danced growing up, this will be Peter’s first time trying strapping on some dance shoes. The couple is up for the challenge of raising money for Shuswap Hospice.
Contestants in the Amateur Singles category are:
• Reverend Jenny Carter – The minister at First United Church, Jenny is also a Red Seal Chef. It’s been a while since taking dancing lessons as a child, but Jenny’s used to being in front of an audience in her ministerial role. She’s hoping that’s going to give her a leg up on the competition, as she strives to raise cash for Shuswap Hospice.
• Tracy Noble – A registered nurse and Okanagan College nursing and prenatal instructor. She’s witnessed how valuable Shuswap Hospice’s services have been to families, and is excited to be helping to support them. Tracy also loves to dance and has taken to the stage to perform after taking an adult hip hop class.
• Darlynne McKenna – A Certified Financial Planner with RBC in Salmon Arm. Darlynne knows the value of Hospice’s work, having witnessed first-hand the benefits after people close to her were grieving an unexpected loss.This motivated her to overcome her
nerves and take on the Dancing with the Shuswap Stars challenge by raising funds and awareness.
· Brandi McAllister – A forklift driver in the warehouse at USNR. Brandi was a dancer growing up and grew to love that combination
of nerves and excitement that came with performing. Now she’s back to re-capture those same emotions through Dancing with the Shuswap Stars. Having experienced personal loss, Brandi is eager to support Shuswap Hospice.
The gala event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the SASCU Recreation Centre. The evening’s program will be similar to the Dancing with the Stars television show, and also includes breaks for open dancing, gourmet charcuterie boxes, a cash bar and loads of entertainment.
Of course, the dancers are the stars of the show. These dancers have stepped up to volunteer their time to support this event. All of them will be putting themselves out of their comfort zone as they learn and perform a dance routine in just a few short weeks.
Fundraising is already underway. The public can make donations to support their favourite contestants by purchasing star votes for $5. Each $5 contribution counts as one vote towards a vote total. Advanced voting will be combined with voting on the night of the gala to determine the winning dancers.
To vote, and for more detailed biographies and information about the 2024 Dancing with the Shuswap Stars, visit shuswapstars.ca.
