Charity Dance Event

Applause and cheering at the Dancing with the Local Stars event was so boisterous that the decibel monitor cut off the sound system.

Karen von Homeyer, from the Hear and Say Centre, said Channel 7’s Dancing with the Stars co-host Sonia Kruger and Hot 91 radio host Todd Widdicombe professionally filled the void each time the decibel limit was exceeded.

“It was a fantastic night. There was so much energy in the room and everyone was hyped by the fact Sonia and Todd did such a good job,” she said.

“The whole crowd was around the dance floor for the performances and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room.

“There were fire eaters in one performance and good looking young chaps with chains and dog collars which (contestant) Dan Sowden auctioned off for a photo after his performance.”

Ms Von Homeyer said 350 people attended the sold-out event which raised about $65,000.

“Six and a half kids will be financed through the next year to remain in the program,” she said.

“In these hard times, it’s phenomenal to see a place like the Sunshine Coast, which is reliant on tourism, to dig deep again to give these kids the best chance in life.”

While there was no real winner, business woman Leigh Campbell was the standout for the judges with three 10s and a nine. Other contestants included fashion blogger Nikki Parkinson, Channel 7’s Caroline Campbell, Marr Grut from McDonald’s, Hot91FM’s Alyssa Thibault and real estate’s Sowden.

Daily deputy editor Paul Munnings, one of the four judges, said the dancers exceeded expectations.

“I know Sonia was really impressed with what the six of them had done in the 12 weeks or less they had to prepare,” he said.

“Every performance was full of entertainment and fun which made for a great night.”

Source: The Sunshine Coast Daily