On Saturday, April 26, Dancing with the Stars Wood Buffalo, presented by Sutton Group Fort McMurray, returned for a third year and treated guests to an exciting evening as eight local leaders put their dancing shoes on for donation votes in an all-out effort to raise money for the Fort McMurray SPCA:
- Tim Reid, Chief Executive Officer Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo with his partner Kelli Stewart,
- Christina Traverse REALTOR® Sutton Group Fort McMurray and her partner Kevin Samuels,
- Theresa Wells Communications Coordinator, MacDonald Island and McMurray Musings and her partner Dustin Young,
- Clarence Buchanan, Executive Chef at the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre and his partner Leticia Klicpera, and
- Andrew Wilcox, Program Director and Afternoon Drive Host, 100.5 Cruz FM and his partner Melinda Stepanowich.
Teams dazzled the more than 400 guests with fancy foot work and entertainment, but the big winners of the competition were Jason Vaughan, Head Professional- Fort McMurray Golf Club and his partner Angel Jutzi. Coming in a close second were Andrew Boutilier Site Director, CEDA Group and his partner Amy Howden. Semi-Retired, long-time resident Ian Dirom and his partner Kennedy Guibeau won the People’s Choice award, raising more than $30,000 in votes.
The Cat Walk, presented by Helen Arong- Fine Fashions in support of the Fort McMurray SPCA, took place the night before and delighted over 200 guests with a fashion show, dinner and shopping experience.
In total both events raised more than $92,000. Funds will support programs like: bite prevention and proper care education for children and youth, Animal Safe Haven for pets of families fleeing domestic violence as well as medical costs for the more than 1,000 animals we care for each year.
Tara Clarke Executive Director says, “The support and generosity the Fort McMurray SPCA has received from this community is heartfelt, money raised will ensure the organization can continue to provide essential programs and services to this great region.”
For more information on the event itself, please visit www.dancingwiththestarswb.ca
