Records were smashed on and off the stage at the 2018 Stars of the Border Dance for Cancer with the event hitting a six-figure fundraising total for the first time.
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Between the 13 stars, their dance partners, sponsors and those who attended Friday’s event $134,653 was raised for Cancer Council NSW.
In another first one star took out all three trophies.
This year the crowd picked their favourite by voting with a donation to their favourite act, and Meg Salisbury and Angela Jones took out people’s choice raising $3278 in one night.
They had also raised the most money overall, contributing $16,363 to the final tally, five times’ their target.
2017 winner Olivia Aughton revealed they had also won over her fellow judges and the powerful pair tied with Albury make-up artist Felicity Cahill and Chris Cambey for the best performance.
Mrs Salisbury rocked the stage with a punchy hip-hop number incorporating numerous stages and wow-factor stunts pole dancing while Mrs Cahill received cheers for her cabaret dance complete with a sparkling Moulin Rouge sign.
All 13 stars and their dance partners scored highly with quirky and entertaining references to Grease, Mario Kart and Michael Jackson.
There was even a tribute to Star Wars with The Border Mail photographer James Wiltshire and Elly Bligh busting out the lightsabers and sporting “May the Forth Be With You” shirts.
Wodonga Middle Years College assistant principal Steven Fouracre embodied Tarzan for a jungle-themed groove and Wodonga Councillor Danny Lowe stripped down for a near-shirtless (and hatless!) dance.
An audience of more than 500 cheered on their favourites in the Albury Entertainment Centre and Cancer Council NSW Community Relations Coordinator Emma Ryall thanked them for their support.
“Cancer is something that affects one in two Australians and each year approximately 3200 Border residents are diagnosed with this horrible disease,” she said.
“Just by purchasing a ticket to tonight’s show, dropping a few coins in the people’s choice award and donating to our stars over the weeks leading up to the event, you’ve all contributed to helping Cancer Council NSW raise much-needed funds so we can continue investing and working together to reduce the impact and burden of cancer within our community.
“Since the event began her on the Border five years ago it continues to grow in size and the generosity of the wider community continues to shine through.”