16th Annual Swinging with the Stars Raises $565,000 for COHA, Surpasses Previous Record from 2024.

The Delta Grand Okanagan Resort ballroom was filled with excitement on February 22, 2025, for the 16th Annual Swinging with the Stars Gala, presented by Unison Jane Hoffman Realty. The glamorous evening raised a record-breaking $565,000 for the COHA, surpassing the previously set fundraising benchmark and reaffirming this community’s commitment to COHA’s vision – a community where no one has to face death or grief alone. Since its inception, Swinging with the Stars has raised over $4.6 million for COHA’s programs and services.

About the Gala

Based on the popular television show with a similar name, Swinging with the Stars brings together professional dance instructors and local celebrities from the Central Okanagan. During a six-month period leading up to the gala and dance competition, the Celebrity Dance teams train with their professional instructors in preparation for the event, all while working tireless to raise funds in support of COHA’s programs and services. Swinging with the Stars has become a cornerstone event for COHA, allowing the community to unite in a celebration of dance, philanthropy, and the valuable work of the organization.

Swinging with the Stars is one of the Okanagan’s most dazzling nights of the year – all in support of the vital work we do at COHA. Thank you to the community, our sponsors, supporters, volunteers, professional instructors, and the incredible talent on the dance floor who are instrumental in the success of this legacy fundraising event.

Meet our Celebrity Dancers

Individual / Couples Category

Colin is a passionate hairdresser and salon owner dedicated to providing exceptional service at his salon. He believes in making every client feel special and beautiful as they leave his chair. Having participated in Swinging with the Stars in the past and supported teams by offering hair services, Colin saw this as the perfect opportunity to combine his love for dance with a meaningful cause. He knows firsthand from his clients how important the services offered by COHA are, especially for families dealing with “end of life” concerns.

Tara, a Medical Laser Specialist and owner, is equally committed to helping people feel confident in their skin. After attending last year’s event with Colin, she was inspired to join him in this year’s dance extravaganza. Having experienced the loss of loved ones, Tara understands the value of COHA’s services and aims to raise awareness for this vital organization.

Together, Colin and Tara comprise Team Beauty In Motion and are excited to bring their passion for dancing and community support to Swinging with the Stars, ready to have fun, foster camaraderie, and raise crucial funds for a cause that resonates deeply with them both.

Funds Raised:

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Dr. Suzanne Degner is a dedicated dentist and business owner, with a rich background as a former nurse and proud mother of four. A competitive slalom water skier and avid cellist, she thrives in the great outdoors, enjoying activities like hiking, running, skiing, surfing, and cycling.

Recently, Dr. Suzanne experienced the profound impact of hospice firsthand when a beloved family member, a founder of the Pilgrims Hospice in Edmonton, spent her final weeks there after a courageous battle with cancer. Her mother also devoted many years to hospice work in counseling and chaplaincy, instilling a strong advocacy for compassionate end-of-life care in Dr. Suzanne.

Funds Raised:

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Dallas Stober and Aidan Myhre are both driven by a deep desire to give back and create meaningful connections in their community. Dallas believes in living authentically and finding purpose in everything she does. This year, she’s excited to embrace dance as a creative outlet and challenge herself in new ways. Her commitment to initiatives like COHA, which provides exceptional end-of-life care and fosters compassion, reflects her passion for supporting others.

Aidan, on the other hand, finds immense joy in bringing visions to life, whether through biking, real estate, or home improvement. This year, he’s also dancing to raise awareness for hospice services that alleviate pain and support families during challenging times. As it’s his first experience with dance, he looks forward to infusing youthful energy into the event while learning to create a routine from scratch with their instructor. Together, Dallas and Aidan are dedicated to rallying their community with care, respect, and love.

Funds Raised:

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Kirsten Pridham lives “Relentlessly Well” as a mom, wife, yoga teacher, fitness coach, and business owner. Passionate about food, fitness, and lifelong learning, she’s a certified Brain Longevity Specialist, yoga student, and lover of animals, especially cats and chihuahuas. Kirsten collects sneakers and stilettos and advocates for mental health awareness, autism, and ADHD. She embraces life without boundaries, believing, “We can’t color outside the lines if there aren’t any.”

In July 2024, Kirsten lost her beloved grandfather, Dennis Wyatt. He spent his final days at Kelowna Hospice House, where her family said their goodbyes. Soon after, Kirsten was asked to join Swinging with the Stars to raise money for COHA, a cause close to her heart. Born and raised in Kelowna, her family’s deep ties to the community inspire her dedication to this incredible organization. She is most excited to get back on the dance floor, learning new skills and styles!

Funds Raised:

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Paula Quinn is an outgoing and fully engaged member of the community, currently serving on four Boards and working as the Executive Director at a local nonprofit organization. She is deeply passionate about the work they do to support and uplift those in need. Paula has immense admiration for the incredible work of this community organization like COHA, whose compassionate care has personally touched the lives of many friends who have passed. She is most excited to push her own limits and being vulnerable with her community.

Funds Raised:

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Group Category

Laura Vance, known as the ringleader of the booth babes, is the go-to friend for adventures and unforgettable experiences. A near-fatal car accident 20 years ago instilled in her a deep appreciation for life and the importance of making memories.

Motivated by joy, family, and community, Laura inspires those around her to grow, often earning the nickname “Life Coach Laura.” She thrives on connection and competition, whether winning at family games or culinary contests.

Having supported local events for years, Laura’s team is excited to contribute to meaningful fundraisers, particularly those connected to hospice care. Her personal experience with loss, especially witnessing her sister’s struggle after becoming a widow, fuels her passion for providing support and camaraderie in the community.

Laura looks forward to deepening bonds with her fellow booth babes, believing that their collaboration will shine a brighter light on the Okanagan.

Team Booth Babes is comprised of Angela McLean, Ellyn Figley, Laura Vance, Amantha Fedick, Amanda Dearing (back row L-R), Kaya Caron (front), Taylor Bentley and Katie Stewart (missing from photo).

Funds Raised:

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We are a group of friends, business owners, and community connectors united by our love for dance and a passion for making a difference. This year, we’re excited to participate in Swinging with the Stars to raise awareness and funds for the Central Okanagan Hospice Association (COHA), which provides essential end-of-life care and grief support.

COHA is more than a resource; it offers vital support to individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses. By combining our passion for dance with our commitment to giving back, we aim to uplift our community and ensure that those in need receive compassionate care.

We look forward to challenging ourselves, connecting with others, and inspiring everyone to join us in making a positive impact. Together, we can create a brighter, more supportive world for all.

Team Dancing Divas is made up of (L-R) Crystelle Gordon, Alex Vigue, Anita Parker, Sanela Sehovac, Izabela Picco, Shannon Perdok, and Heidi Johnson.

Funds Raised:

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Meet our Professional Instructors

Jennifer Large

Lucy Mitchell

Mackenzie Denis

Warren Eaton

Carley Bailey

Tara Martin

Anna Dermott

Madi Koch

Jennifer Large

Jennifer was born and raised in Kelowna BC. She grew up dancing at the Canadian School of Ballet, learning ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre and performing annually in their Christmas presentation of the Nutcracker. She moved to Vancouver to attend massage therapy school, and continued her dance education at the harbour centre with hip hop classes, belly dancing and salsa. She moved back to Kelowna after starting a family and became heavily involved in the dance community teaching at the Canadian school of ballet, in schools , and through Parkinson Rec. She’s performed with various groups at fundraisers and events, music festivals, and in music videos.

Jennifer supports COHA as she herself had to use their recourses after losing her daughter Lola. COHA provided the grief support she needed to survive such a devastating loss and so she gratefully volunteers with Swinging with the Stars annually.

Jenny is instructing Team Rhythm Dream, with the assistance of Madi Koch.

Lucy Mitchell

Lucy Mitchell has 30+ years of performance experience in the arts, with over 20 of those years as a choreographer, director/producer and instructor. Lucy graduated with a BA Hons degree in dance and theatre performance from the renowned Bird College – Conservatoire for Dance & Musical Theatre, London, England. After graduating, Lucy has gone on to grow both her performing and teaching resume extensively throughout North America, whilst using the beautiful Okanagan as her homebase. Her resume boasts Live Theatre, Cruise Ships, Music Videos, Music Festivals, Multi-million Dollar Fundraisers, Arts Camps, TV and Film and more. She has been an integral part of growing the arts community here in Kelowna while creating both training & performance opportunities for her students.

She is thrilled to be back again as an instructor, sharing both her love and passion for the arts and our community. Lucy’s own mother spent her final days in hospice in the UK, so she understands first hand how important these services are.

This year, Lucy is instructing Team Dancing Divas.

Mackenzie Denis

Mackenzie began dancing at the age of 3 training in RAD ballet, Tap, Jazz and Contemporary. Throughout her years in competitive dance, she performed numerous roles in The Nutcracker including Clara, was invited to dance alongside professional dancers in Ballet Kelowna’s Canadiana Suite and travelled to San Diego to participate in Break the Floor’s Dancer Palooza where she took classes from choreographers such as Travis Wall, Teddy Forance, Mark Meismer and various others. After graduation, Mackenzie continued to pursue her passion by achieving her Royal Academy of Dance Certificate in Ballet Studies, Progressing Ballet Technique Certification and most recently her Acrobatic Arts Teacher Certification. She has been a faculty member at The Canadian School of Ballet since 2018 teaching ballet, tap, jazz and acro.

Mackenzie has performed at the Swinging with the Stars event in the past as a guest and is very excited to take part in it this year as an instructor!

This year, Mackenzie is instructing Team Love It.

Warren Eaton

Professional Ballroom and Latin dance teacher, performer and choreographer for over 30 years. Licentiate member of the International Dance Teachers Association(IDTA) and the Canadian Dancesport Federation(CDF). He is the proud owner of Latinesque Ballroom and Latin Dance Co. here in the Okanagan since 2004. Warren has competed both professionally, as well as with his students, and has taught in many different counties around the world(USA, England, China). He has been involved with Swinging With The Stars on 5 different occasions as both a teacher/choreographer, performer and most recently a judge.

This year, Warren is instructing Team Relentless Wellness.

Carley Bailey

Born and raised in Kelowna, BC, Carley Bailey grew up dancing at The Canadian School of Ballet under the tutelage of Lori Larson and Melville Brown. She went on to further her performance education at The Canadian College of Performing Arts where she trained under one of Canada’s most prominent instructors and choreographers, Jacques Lemay. Upon graduation, Carley was hired as a headlining singer and dancer on board Holland America and Carnival Cruise Lines. After 10 years of living out her dream as a professional singer and dancer, Carley returned to Kelowna. She spent the last 13 years as one of The Directors of The Canadian School of Ballet where she taught jazz, tap and performance to students of all ages. Carley recently retired from her role as Director but remains the Artistic Director of CSB’s performing arts group “Company B”. Carley is passionate about music and performance and is extremely grateful to be back as one of this year’s instructors for Swinging with the Stars.

This year, Carley is instructing Team Think Pink!

Tara Martin

Tara Martin spent her early dance training in Vancouver under the direction of Maureen Martinique, training in RAD syllabus and carried on to a professional career of teaching.

Upon moving to Whistler and being mentored by Codi Dalen, she developed a community Dance Program that has enabled children from many different backgrounds to have the opportunity to dance.

Tara feels that “dance is a hidden language of the soul” and feels extremely blessed to have been surrounded by so many talented teachers and students over the last 30 years. Her goal is to pass on her passion for the gift of dance to the next generation.

This year, Tara is instructing Team Beauty in Motion.

Anna Dermott

From the UK dance scene to the heart of the Okanagan, Anna is the passionate owner and instructor behind Hype Dance, a thriving drop-in studio for adult dancers in Kelowna. After years of honing her skills with professional dance experience and training in the UK, Anna returned to her hometown of Kelowna, driven to create a welcoming space where the community could come together through the joy of movement. Now in its 6th year, Hype Dance offers a diverse range of programs, from show-stopping performance programs & video series to drop-in dance classes – empowering adults of all levels to embrace their inner dancer.

This year, Anna is instructing Team Booth Babes.

Madi Koch

Madison was born and raised in Kelowna, where she developed a deep passion for giving back to her community. Throughout her life, she has dedicated much of her free time to supporting local initiatives and fostering a sense of connection among people in her community. With over 15 years of dance training in various styles, including ballet, tap, contemporary, and hip-hop, dance has taken her across Canada and the United States, where she has competed in numerous dance competitions, earning multiple awards for her performances. She is an enthusiastic participant in Swinging with the Stars and this marks her fifth year being involved in the event. For Madison, being part of Swinging with the Stars is more than just an opportunity to teach others how to dance—it’s a chance to strengthen the bonds within her community and create lasting memories for everyone involved.

This year, Madi is instructing Team Rhythm Dream alongside Jenny Large.

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