Innovative dance-based fundraiser supports Birralee Preschool

The Birralee Preschool community is excited to once again be hosting its annual major fundraiser, Dancing With The Stars, after two years of COVID-19 enforced absence. 

In the innovative fundraiser, ten people unknown to one another, and from the Birralee community and surrounds, are paired up and learn how to dance as couples. 

2022 contestants are: 

• Nathan McKay and Kylie McLean 
• Nic Burns and Bronte Russell 
• Adam Horneman and Jess Pether 
• Allan Price and Kerrie Carlon
• Scott Jensen and Sasha Congram.

Vicki Ackers, a local dance teacher, is providing the couples with instruction, and the couples have been in rehearsals for the last eight weeks. 

Since the preschool began the fundraiser, 50 people have joined in with the initiative, raising money for the preschool, Biralee Preschool Committee of Management President Jane Harris said.

“Our major sponsor for this year’s event is Pether Ag and we are so grateful for their support, both financially and on the dance floor with Jess Pether as one of our 2022 contestants,” Mrs Harris told local news source Shepparton News.

The fundraiser is extra special given that the preschool celebrated its 50th anniversary during the pandemic, meaning celebrations were put on hold. 

“Countless people from the local community have given their time over that 50 years to keep the preschool running as an essential service for the children and families of Finley and district,” Mrs Harris said.

Funds raised from Dancing With The Stars will be put toward the service’s building fund. Tickets are sold locally, from Betta Home Living in Finley.

Read local coverage of this story here.