12-hour Dance-a-Thon Raises Over $21k
Last weekend, the Sioux Line Dance NZ community came together for a special cause—raising funds for the Nelson Tasman Hospice through a lively and heartwarming 12-hour Dance-a-Thon fundraiser. Held at Club Waimea, the event was not just about dancing but also about giving back to the community, and it exceeded all expectations.
Before the first dance step was even taken, the Sioux Line Dance group had already raised over $67,000 for the hospice since 2017. This milestone was celebrated with enthusiasm before the Dance-a-thon kicked off. The energy in the room was palpable as dancers of all ages and skill levels took to the floor, decked out in colourful outfits that added to the festive atmosphere.
The event was expertly organized by Sue Wilson, Danuta Newport, Louise Busson, Judith Bethell, and the committee, all of whom put in tremendous effort to ensure its success. Their commitment to supporting the Nelson Tasman Hospice has been unwavering. Sue, a dedicated dance teacher with 30 years of experience in Motueka, Māpua, and Richmond, reflected on the group’s long-standing tradition of fundraising, noting that since 2017, the focus has been on helping the hospice, particularly in ways that directly benefit patients in the community.
The Dance-a-thon, which ran from 9 AM to 9 PM, was filled with toe-tapping music, laughter, and, most importantly, a strong sense of camaraderie among the more than 100 dancers who participated throughout the day. The event was almost like a telethon, with the fundraising board being updated several times as donations poured in.
As the day drew to a close, the final fundraising total was revealed, leaving everyone in disbelief—$20,181! This incredible amount far surpassed the original goal of $15,000, making the event an overwhelming success. Sue was moved to tears by the final figure, especially considering the financial challenges many people are facing in the current climate.
The funds raised from this year’s Dance-a-thon will go towards purchasing essential items from the hospice’s wish list, continuing the tradition of making a tangible impact on the lives of those in the community. Last year, the money raised was used to purchase syringe drivers, a critical tool for administering medication.
The Sioux Line Dance NZ community’s dedication to the Nelson Tasman Hospice is truly inspiring. Their efforts over the years have made a significant difference, and this year’s Dance-a-thon is yet another example of their generosity and commitment.
A big thank you goes out to everyone who participated, donated, and supported this event. Your hard work and enthusiasm made this event a resounding success.
For those interested in learning more about Sioux Line Dance NZ or attending a dance class, be sure to check out their Facebook page. And don’t forget to take a look at the awesome pictures from the event below!
Together, we danced, we laughed, and we made a difference. Here’s to many more years of dancing for a cause!