High spirits and high heels at red carpet event

It may be a competition, but NBS Dancing for a Cause contestant Lauretta Haskell reckons that there is already a firm comradery between the region’s 10 contestants.

“The vibe is really really high,” she says.

“All of the competitors have formed a really nice friendship already. We’re all fundraising for the same goal at the end, so that adds to the team effort.”

Although the main event isn’t until next May, the contestants are already practising a range of steps, and they will be assigned professional partners – and either a Latin or a ballroom dance genre – after Christmas.

Last month’s launch night for the current NBS Dancing for a Cause campaign was a poignant one for Lauretta, as it marked exactly 11 years since the death of her big sister Nicci.

“Nicci’s really my ‘why’,” Lauretta shares.

“Through her breast cancer journey, hospice was just so vital, and just a heartbeat in the community. It was invaluable to have them support her – and us as well.”

Statistics provided by Nelson Tasman Hospice show that the organisation supports an average of 27 people per month in Motueka alone, with 80 per cent of that care taking place within the clients’ own homes.

The organisation helps with many small things that can make such a difference to those who are suffering.  Lauretta uses the example of the volunteers who makes memory boxes, which might contain treasures such as letters to loved ones or future presents from a terminally ill parent who knows they will not be around to see their children’s milestone events.

The fact that Nelson Tasman Hospice has a funding shortfall of almost $10,000 per day is something that makes Lauretta shake her head.

“It’s just ridiculous, actually, to think that such a vital service in our community needs to fundraise such a significant amount.”

The first big fundraising push for the Motueka local is coming up later this month, with her grand Night at the Oscars quiz and auction evening. Complete with red carpet, 360-degree photo booth and life-sized Oscar statues, Lauretta is pulling out all the stops.

She is eager to do her bit to plug the hospice funding gaps and is hoping that the Night at the Oscars will raise $20,000, which is about half of her personal Dancing for a Cause target.

The event’s 20 auction prizes are worth many thousands of dollars and include tourism and holiday options, a photoshoot, a Thermomix, an e-bike, a gym membership and even a voucher for a vasectomy.  There are also about 25 prizes for the quiz as well as for other games and spot prizes throughout the night.

Local musician Matt Werner will be performing, and the dance floor will be open until about 11.30pm.

There will even be a ballroom display by a group of professional dancers - “not us amateurs who stand on their feet”, Lauretta laughs.

She praises the generosity of the local businesses who have thrown their support behind the event.

“I’m actually really looking forward to it now – it just needs bums on seats to make it all worth it.”

A Night at the Oscars is being held at the Motueka Recreation Centre on Saturday, 23 November, from 6pm. Tables of six cost $420 which includes a generous grazing dinner and dessert, a welcome drink, quiz entry and entertainment. For more information or to book a table at the event, go to Lauretta's Dancing for a Cause Facebook page here.