A SELL-OUT crowd showed enthusiasm and support for the Border celebrities who danced their way to a record fundraising total on Friday.
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The Stars of the Border Dance for Cancer at Albury’s Commercial Club has raised $54,000 so far, with more money expected over the next week.
Albury Thunder’s Tommy Gemmell and his partner Angela Jones took the dancing honours while Daniel Maher, of Albury Tigers, raised the most money with $5862.
Cancer Council NSW community relations coordinator for Albury and communities Emma Ryall said cheers from the 380-strong audience decided the people’s choice winner.
“They had to go through them a couple of times, it was a pretty tight contest, that one,” she said.
In the end Fletcher Doherty, of Prime 7, and Paula Thompson claimed the prize, with The Border Mail’s Tahlia McPherson and Rob Baumgarten also proving popular.
Mr Gemmell said he had never danced hip hop before entering the charity event and praised his partner’s efforts.
“Teaching me how to do a bit of hip hop wouldn't have been an easy task,” he said.
“It was difficult to learn the routine, we just nailed it the last few practices really.”
The Thunder coach and player said he enjoyed the experience, but doubted he had a future as a hip hop dancer.
“That was my swansong, one and only, I think,” he said with a laugh.
Ms Ryall said people commented on the couples’ good standard of dancing, which the judges rewarded with high scores.
“At times you were thinking you couldn't really tell who the amateur is,” she said.
“It was just really creative so hats off to the dance instructors because they donate their time and their skills.”
The Dance for Cancer, in its third year, continues to grow and the 2016 participants prepared on the dance floor and also met their donation targets.
Abseiling, bike rides and chocolate sculptures all featured in fundraising leading to Friday’s culmination.
Ms Ryall said the function proved a success socially as well as financially.
“It just had a really good fun vibe about it,” she said.
“I think that also came down to the stars and their dance teachers, they just put in so much effort and they were really keen to all do really well this year.”
