Alright Campbell River, now’s your chance to vote for the community’s best dancer and raise money for the Campbell River Perinatal Society (CRPS) at the same time.
Dancing With The Stars 2011 is a fundraiser for New Dawn House a maternity home that provides a place for women at risk to live for up to 18 months and gives mother and baby a good start in life.
The home will provide safe housing to any woman during pregnancy and after the baby is born. The home will have a live-in mentor who will guide and support the mother in all aspects of motherhood. The home will also promote already existing programs offered in the community.
To raise money for the home, CRPS has gathered six dancers – members of the community – to compete against each other in Dancing With The Stars and the public can vote for the best. Vote for your friends, vote for your favourite dancer, have fun and vote as many times as you like. Votes are $5 each or five for $25, 10 for $50 and can be purchased online at newdawnhouse.com. You can also vote online at the Dancing with the Stars event on Oct. 1 at the Eagles Hall.
The night of the gala event, the doors open at 6:30 p.m. At 7 p.m. the dance “competition” starts. Each star is paired with local dance teachers and their students. They will dance for 2-3 minutes. Some of the dances you will see are the Cha Cha, Jive and maybe even Hip Hop. There are three judges who will comment on their dancing.
Between their performances there will be Campbell River pros entertaining participants. The Mirror Ball trophy will be presented to the winner – the person with the most votes – before the dance around 8:30 p.m. The band the Impalas will play after that.
Tickets for the gala are $50 per person and are available at Stereo Fitness, 151 Dogwood St., and Trends & Friends, 1064 Shoppers Row.
Meanwhile, meet the first three of our dance competitors and then go online to newdawnhouse.com
Paula Davies:
Paula was born in Vancouver and went to school in Burnaby. She says growing up is optional. She is currently involved with the Business and Professional Women’s Network, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Ladies Auxiliary and she is the president of Wednesday Night ladies 10 pin Bowling.
Paula feels Campbell River is God’s country for the scenery and tyee fishing. When asked what some people might not know about her she said “I drove a fully loaded logging truck and pup (okay it was only for two miles but I did it). Paula remembers watching Lawrence Welk and Don Mercer as a youngster. She also said her Nanny’s had a dance studio but says the talent of dancing missed her “I have two left feet and no rhythm” As a child she enjoyed dancing on her Dad’s feet. She loves watching ballroom dancing as they float across the floor. Her mother June was a maternity nurse here in Campbell River so Paula feels opening a Maternity Home is a very worthwhile project. Paula says her biggest competitors are the other 5 dancers!
Tenny Zander:
Tenny was born in the Philippines and was raised in Laoag City in the Philippines. She is involved in the Philippines Association of Campbell River and works as a nurse. Tenny loves Campbell River for its friendly people, spectacular, natural beauty and healthy living. When asked what people don’t know about her she says with a giggle “my real age.” She has enjoyed dancing through her school years and especially has a fond memory of prom night – mmm... Tenny continued to enjoy dancing through nursing school and likes the Cha Cha the most. Her favorite dance partner is her husband and someone named Bayani. Tenny is looking forward to having a good time at the Dancing with Stars fundraiser to support the Maternity home for Campbell River. She feels Deb Wilson will be her biggest competitor.
Deb Wilson:
Deb was born and grew up in the Comox Valley. She has worked in recreation and health care for many years and is very involved in many aspects of community events.
To Deb Campbell River is a great place to live with many things to do such as walking on the Seawalk, theatre, playing many different sports and recreation. She especially feels that the people are very generous here in Campbell River standing behind many worthy projects. Deb encourages Campbell River to VOTE for your fave star to support the New Dawn House. When we asked to tell us something that they don’t know about her she said “12 gauge shot guns don’t scare me!” Throw up a “clay” and I will probably break it.
Deb started dancing as soon as she could walk. She took ballet and jazz formally for 10 years. Her favorite style of dancing is Flamenco, traditional native and African dancing.
Her favorite dancing partners are her husband Jeff and two sons. Watch out guys because Deb (subtly competitive) says “The Girls are going to win” this competition.
Bob Gordon:
Bob was born in Cumberland and grew up in Courtenay.
As a semi retired physician he is involved with the Campbell River Museum and the Partnership Commision Council.
The history, geography and the people are Bob’s favorite things about Campbell River. When asked what people might not know about him ah says he always wanted to be a jockey. Dancing for Bob started at the Union Bay dances and continued at the Old Time Dances and High Jiving in Courtenay, and the K’sla dance at the Kwakiutl First Nations Potlatches. Bob has always enjoyed watching Fred Astaire and John Belushi dance.
He likes to waltz and jive and his favorite dance partner is his wife Jacqueline.Bob says he feels this project is a good cause although his daughter Heather had to talk him into dancing. He thinks that Steve Nagle will be his biggest competitor.
Larry Samson;
Larry was born and raised in Campbell River.
As a retired fireman he is involved in the Campbell River Daybreakers Rotary Club, Member of the Greenway Land Trust, and Assistant coach of the Special Olympics Swim Club. Larry loves the beauty of Campbell River. His earliest memory of dancing is watching his parents square dance. Later he always enjoyed watching his daughter in her dance recitals.
Larry likes to jive and his favorite partner is his wife Shawn.
When asked what people might not know about him he says he loves to listen to 60’s music on Sirius radio.
You are dating yourself Larry. Larry also feels Deb Wilson will be the girl to beat.
Steve Nagle:
Steve was born in Scotland and grew up there ( the dancing capital of Europe).
Steve has his own business in Campbell River and is currently a member of noon Rotary and the coach of the triathlon club. He also has organized the Pub Run for the Hospital Foundation since 1989.
Steve’s favorite thing about Campbell River is the location.
When asked what most people don’t know about him he said that he is a Muppet’s fan. mmm... interesting.
We asked Steve several questions about his dancing memories and history with dancing and all we got was laughter.
Although he said his favorite style of dance is the Scottish Gay Gordons.
Apparently his favorite dance partner is Miss Piggy. His biggest competitor “without a doubt will be Fire Chief Larry Samson – he’s hot stuff with the women.”