Hospice PEI holds 5th annual Dancing with the Stars fundraiser

Hospice PEI is holding its fifth annual Dancing With The Stars fundraiser on Oct. 22, but this year it's adding a little twist to their step.

The eight stars who are well known members of the community are doing some of the fundraising themselves. Previously most of the fundraising came through tickets, but Hospice PEI executive director Alana Sprague said the organization was looking for ways to raise even more money.

"We really thought, 'There's got to be a way that we can boost up the fundraising and the total funds raised in this event,'" she said.

"We asked each star to raise $1,000 They have far surpassed that amount."

'You are not a dancer, you are a dentist'

Joanne Stewart is one of the stars participating in the fundraiser. She has held yard sales, sold tulip bulbs and even held online auctions to raise money. She won't say exactly how much she has raised, but the number is high.

"I have exceeded my goal. I had a goal of $10,000 and I've well exceeded that goal," said Stewart.

Each of the stars is paired with a pro, but still Stewart, who is a dentist by trade, said she had mixed feelings when she was asked to participate in the fundraiser.

"My heart said, 'Yes you can do this.' My head said, 'No you cannot do this, you are not a dancer, you are a dentist. You have no role on the dance floor what so ever,'" said Stewart

Stewart decided to participate in the event to honour two people close to her.

"I lost two very special people last year," she said. "In the process of honouring their memory, I'm giving back to a wonderful organization."

'Dying is a difficult and challenging time for everyone'

All proceeds from the event will go to Hospice PEI, to help fund the services and programs the organization provides.

"We understand that dying is a difficult and challenging time for everyone and we want to ensure Islanders have access to supports like ours," said Sprague.

Tickets for the event are sold out, but you can still support the organization by going to its website, voting for your favourite star and donating.

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