For Immediate Release
Media Release:  April 12, 2018

North Okanagan Hospice Society Launches 11th Annual Dancing with the Vernon Stars

North Okanagan Hospice Society (Hospice) held their launch party for the 11^th Annual Dancing with the Vernon Stars on April 11, 2018. 

“We are delighted to announce that Lake City Casinos has joined us as title sponsor this year. Lake City Casinos is a strong supporter of Hospice and we are so pleased that they are teaming up with us again this year at our marquee event which raises much needed funding for Hospice and raises awareness of our programs and services.” Ruth Edwards, NOHS, Executive Director.

The Dancing with the Vernon Stars event will be held on Friday, September 28, 2018 at the Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre. The dancers, coaches, judges and sponsors were announced with great excitement and enthusiasm. The dancers will be fundraising throughout the spring and summer to reach the net fundraising goal of $130,000 again this year.

The event showcases local dancers with big hearts and the drive to raise funds for the North Okanagan Hospice Society.  The dance couples will be coached by Heather Stranks and Jens Goerner of City Dance, Tracy Kaye Holly of TKH Dance Co and Olivia Grayce of SoDance.

2018 Dancer Couples include:

Susie and Brent Helland – Nucerity

Melanie King (21 Century and Mel’s Mainstreet Pizza) and David Schaefer (Davidson Pringle Lawyers)

David Scaratescu and Beatrice Weir – The Sprouted Fig

Sarah Moorhouse (Okanaan Restoration) and Darcy Helmly (Pacific Coastcom – Telus)

Jaye Coward and Sean Ling – Farmbound Organic Produce

Fiona Hook and Kira Hook – Images Studios

Lukas Erickson (Basket Case Picnic and Intermezzo) and Austin Ridley (High Country Insulation)

Holly Stein and Andy Stein – Noir Salon and Boutique

Joe Deuling and Theresa Deuling – Deuling & Co

Brittany Wright and Nicolas Jacob – Nicholas Jacob, Barrister and Solicitor

Kristi Bieber (30 Minute Hit) and Aaron Nasipayko (Sun Life Financial)

“Dancing with the Vernon Stars continues to be a huge success for Hospice and we are grateful to our Events Manager, Gina Watson, and to all those involved for helping us to achieve our fundraising goal,” says Leslie Harvey, Financial Officer of Hospice. “The dedication and enthusiasm of our dancers, sponsors, coaches, judges, volunteers and organizers are incredible. The North Okanagan community continues to support this Hospice event with donations of time, talent and resources so that we can deliver quality end-of-life care” shares Leslie Harvey, NOHS, Financial Officer.

“On behalf of those we serve, we thank the community of the North Okanagan for their support of end-of-life care in Vernon and area” said Ruth Edwards, NOHS, Executive Director.

All dance couples are asked to raise $5,000 for Hospice.  If you would like to become involved as a sponsor or to support one of the dance couples, please contact us at [email protected] or call 250-503-1800 ext 103.

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About North Okanagan Hospice Society

North Okanagan Hospice Society believes in quality of life. We support people with a palliative diagnosis, their loved ones and the bereaved. When medical intervention can no longer add days to life, we strive to add more life to each day.

• We operate Hospice House, a 12-bed palliative care facility in Vernon.
• We provide pain and symptom management admissions to palliative patients for one or two weeks.
• We offer a community grief and bereavement program to anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one.
• Programs and services are offered to residents of the North Okanagan.

For more information, please contact:

Gina Watson
Event Coordinator
Cell 250-307-2444
[email protected]