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Dancing for Dianne

A 91大黄鸭 couple challenges themselves to a dance compeition to raise money for COHA
web1_170309-BPD-Swining-Lisa
Image Credit: Lisa Stephenson

They鈥檙e not your typical dancers, but they鈥檙e stars in the eyes of a local charity.

The dedicated work of Lisa and Dave Stephenson will hopefully raise $25,000 for the Central Okanagan Hospice Association (COHA).

A cause near-and-dear to Lisa鈥檚 heart; she is a volunteer at COHA after her mother died in hospice care almost four years ago.

The 91大黄鸭 couple鈥檚 fundraising journey started several months ago when a friend asked Lisa if she would be interested in the event, Swinging with the Stars.

Recently retired from a career in the tourism industry, Lisa jumped at the opportunity Swing with the Stars, a fundrasing event for COHA.

鈥淚 was given the opportunity to dance with a choreographer or my husband, and be taught by a professional how to dance,鈥 said Lisa. 鈥淪o I signed up me and my husband Dave.鈥

A suit-and-tie professional for Sysco Foods, Dave was a little surprised that he was to swing about a room in front of strangers.

鈥淗e isn鈥檛 a dancer, but he is doing it for me,鈥 she explained. 鈥淗e has been supportive of me and my journey with my mom. I鈥檝e been a volunteer with hospice for sometime since my mom passed and my family has been beside me the whole way. I couldn鈥檛 imagine doing this with anyone else but my husband.鈥

The two have been practicing with coach Tina Mandl of Oranj Fitness in 91大黄鸭.

鈥淭his is more about a competition of pride and raising the most money for COHA,鈥 said Lisa.

Performing as Danny and Sandy from the movie Grease, Lisa and Dave will dance to the song, 鈥榊ou鈥檙e the One that I Want鈥.

鈥淲e will be dancing for my mom Dianne, and also for all the loved ones our friends and family have lost.鈥

For those that donate to the Stephenson鈥檚 and have lost a loved one, Dave will write their name on his leather jacket that he will wear the night of the show.

鈥淚t will be quite a moment when Dave walks onto the dance floor in that jacket,鈥 exclaimed Lisa.

Hoping for a final push to meet their goal, Lisa wants the public to understand how important COHA is to the region.

鈥淐OHA鈥檚 mission is to offer compassionate care, comfort, support and learning to those who are dying or grieving within our community,鈥 she said. 鈥淭heir vision is to create a community where no one has to die or grieve alone.鈥

As a volunteer, Lisa is a part of many families journey at hospice and knows what they are going through and can help navigate the difficult path of death.

Swinging with the Stars takes place March 18, at the grand Okanagan Resort, tickets are $200 each with a $75 tax receipt.

To learn more about Team Stephenson鈥檚 story and to donate

For those interested in donating, your name will also be entered into a draw to win:

  • Prestige Hotels and Resorts 鈥 Two nights accommodation at one of the waterfront resorts (Sooke, Nelson, or Salmon Arm) valued at $600
  • 91大黄鸭 Actors Studio 鈥 VIP tickets for four including a show, dinner and wine, valued at $550
  • Cactus Club (Downtown 91大黄鸭) 鈥 VIP food and beverage tasting for four, valued at $200



Jen Zielinski

About the Author: Jen Zielinski

I am a broadcast journalism graduate from BCIT and hold a bachelor of arts degree in political science and sociology from Thompson Rivers University. I enjoy volunteering with local organizations, such as the Okanagan Humane Society.
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