From cabaret jazz and swing to musical theatre and hip hop and everything in between, the Kempsey Macleay RSL Club came alive on Saturday night for the first Stars of Macleay Valley Dance for Cancer.
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Over 300 people filled the RSL Club to cheer on the 10 brave Stars who took up the challenge and raised money for the Cancer Council, collectively raising in excess of $78,000.
The money was raised through fundraising events organised by the Stars over the last 12 weeks as well as donations on the night.
Community Relations Coordinator from Coffs Coast Cancer Council and organiser of the event, Brittany Raven, said the original goal was $40,000.
"We have been blown away by the generosity of the Macleay Valley. Raising over $78,000 for the Cancer Council is an incredible effort," she said.
"The Stars and dance teachers have worked so hard to get these dance routines down, I'm so proud of them. What they have achieved with the fundraising is just amazing."
The funds raised on Saturday night will go towards supporting and helping locals who are affected by cancer.
There were three guest judges on the night, Kempsey Shire Council mayor Liz Campbell, Alison Launt from Valley Performing Arts Centre and past participant of the Hastings Dance for Cancer Gavin Rippon.
Three awards were up for grabs on the night including the People's Choice, Judge's Choice and Highest Fundraiser.
Melinda Pavey blew the crowd away with her ABBA Medley and took out the People's Choice Award as well as Highest Fundraiser, while Phani Prakhya and Sean Borger had everyone bopping along to their hip hop rendition of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air rap and walked away with the Judge's Choice Award.
"The scores were so close, it really came down to a couple of votes," Ms Raven said.
"Everyone really gave it their all and had a great time up on the stage.
"I really want to thank all of the volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible. Our work could not continue without all of your support. I'd also like to thank the dance teachers who gave up their time.
"We really hope this will be an annual event in Kempsey."
The Cancer Council would like to thank:
- Wildflower Portraits
- Kempsey Shire Council
- South West Rocks Country Club
- Kempsey Stock and Land
- West Kempsey Hotel
- Mid North Coast Health District
- Macleay Vocational College
- Prakhya Dental
- Danae Cantwell School of Dance
- Garvey School of Dance
- St Paul's College Kempsey
- Shamilah's Ishtar Goddess Belly Dance
- Kempsey Macleay RSL Club
- Neil's Magic Melodies
- Melinda Pavey
- Volunteers Judy Saul, Lyn Gleeson, Lauren Fraser and Louise Jeffs
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