THERE are eight business identities around the Hastings who are putting their best foot forward for charity.
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The generous locals have stepped up to donate $3000 minimum to be judged in the second annual Hastings Celebrity Dance for Cancer at Rydges on November 28.
Their day of reckoning will see them perform their routines in various genres for an appreciative audience who will also dig deep on the night.
The annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council NSW, hosted by Focus magazine, was a stunning success last year with the performances leaving the guests gob smacked and receiving high praise from the judges.
With the help of local dance schools and instructors, who have put together some exciting routines, the biz celebs will tackle everything from swing to salsa and rock 'n' roll to musical theatre.
Oxley Insurance Brokers director Grant Richmond and The Stunned Mullet's Lou Perri have been busy rehearsing over the past weeks in the lead-up to the big event.
Mr Richmond will be partnered by Galina Turker of Salsa Footprints in the Cuban salsa.
"I thought that salsa was something you dipped your corn chips in, but salsa dancing is much more fun and way less messy," he said.
He also admits that other than some "electric ballroom" at the old RSL in the '90s and the dad dance with his daughters, he has no previous dance experience.
Lou Perri, of Port Macquarie's one hat restaurant The Stunned Mullet, won't spill the beans on his chosen dance style. "You'll have to buy a ticket to the event to find out," he said.
When asked why he took up the challenge he spoke of the uncertainty of the disease as his motivation.
"Cancer presents itself in many ways amongst the young and old and it would be a shame if we could not offer people the support required.
"We are so lucky to be Australians, we really are. We can certainly share our prosperity for an ongoing commitment to finding a cure for cancer and supporting those who are affected by cancer."
Other local identities who will burn up the dance floor are Zoe Van Mil, Tanya Newman, David Plews, Barbara Smith, Kate Dwyer and John Parer.
David Plews of First National Port Macquarie recently hosted a great debate fund-raiser which achieved $2500 and John Parer of the Hope Shop has a giant raffle with more than $5000 in prizes on offer at the shop in Milton Circuit and will host a family dance night at Wauchope RSL on October 11 at 7pm.
Keep your eye on Port News for more ways you can pitch in for the celebrity dancers.
Tickets to event at Rydges are $70 and available on 6589 2811.
All fund-raising and proceeds go to the Cancer Council to provide essential funding for services on the Mid North Coast.