By Sheldon Spackman

Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off Raises $420,000 for Canada Winter Games Celebration Plaza

Apr 26, 2018 | 10:27 AM

The Cabinet of the Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off in Red Deer has announced $420,000 was raised at this year’s event.

In a press release, Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off Co-Chair Christine Moore says the selection committee took a leap of faith when it decided to support the 2019 Canada Winter Games, an unconventional not-for-profit cause that focused on hope and faith in a future full of potential.

“We are absolutely delighted that our community responded once again with incredible generosity,” Moore says. “All the dancers exceeded their fundraising goals, resulting in the event raising over $420,000 for the Canada Games Celebration Plaza, a legacy celebration space for generations to enjoy in downtown Red Deer.”

“On behalf of the Board of Governors and staff of the 2019 Canada Winter Games Host Society, we sincerely thank the Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off Cabinet, the dancers, event attendees, numerous sponsors and donors for their support of the 2018 Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off,” adds Lyn Radford, 2019 Canada Winter Games Board Chair. “Thanks to their generosity, our vision for an accessible, celebration space in the heart of downtown is one step closer to becoming a reality.”

Proceeds from the 2018 Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off will support the Canada Games Celebration Plaza, described as an inclusive and accessible gathering place for all in downtown Red Deer. A legacy project, the Canada Games Celebration Plaza is currently under construction and refurbishment at what was once the former Central Elementary School and located next to Central Middle School. It is slated to open in November of this year.                                                

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Officials say the facility will host a major arts and cultural festival during the 2019 Canada Winter Games and remain as a place for central Albertans to gather for years to come following the Games.

The 2018 Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off saw over 800 people attend the event at the Sheraton Red Deer on April 14 and featured eight celebrity dancers paired with professional dancers.

This year’s class of celebrity dancers included Cari MacLean, Mellisa Hollingsworth, Carla MacLeod, Duane Daines, Todd Simenson, Cindy Mandrusiak, John Young and our very own Troy Gillard.

Duane Daines and his partner Natalie Brooks took home the Mirror Ball Award for the best performance based on technical score, celebrity judge scores and votes from the audience.

Todd Simenson and his partner Jinelle Themig took home the award for best technical score, while Cindy Mandrusiak won the award for raising the most funds.

“On behalf of the Cabinet, I extend much gratitude to our dancers, corporate sponsors, individual donors, volunteers and partners,” concludes Moore. “Everyone worked so hard right to the very end to welcome over 800 people to this year’s community builder!”