AN INAUGURAL fundraiser for the Cancer Council that saw almost a dozen couples hit the dance floor for a good cause is edging closer to raising $90,000 for the charity.
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The Tamworth Dancing with the Stars pitted 11 locals with dance partners against one another, with every style from the tango to salsa, worm, bellydancing, the waltz and even hip hop performed.
In front of a sellout crowd of more then 350, locals dug deep for the cause, with the dancers taking top fundraising gongs.
Jason Burrows from Carey's Transport shimmied across the dance floor, but it was the money side where he really made all the right moves, raising $26,000 for the Cancer Council.
Cancer Council community relations co-ordinator and event organiser Michelle Shanahan was overwhelmed with the reception.
"As it stands, we've raised more than $86,415, with more money flowing in," Ms Shanahan said.
"The contestants raised between them an amazing $69,000.
"We're just totally overwhelmed."
It takes guts to get up and dance in front of hundreds of people, with most of the local couples conceding late-night pub dancing was the extent of their skills.
Local solicitor Michael Penman and partner Francine Wrigley were crowned the judge's choice, while plumber Ben Ryan and his dance partner, Lucinda Burt, took out the people's choice.
"We're just really grateful to the contestants and their enthusiasm," Ms Shanahan said.
"As well as to the community for getting behind the contestants and the cause."
Ms Shanahan said the money would come back to the region through various programs.
"Things like Anala House, which is the cancer patient accommodation," Ms Shanahan said.
"It's a 10-bed house for cancer patients who are receiving treatment, and their carers.
"The money will also be used to help patients and their families with the stress and costs that can be associated with their treatment."
The Cancer Council is totally community funded, relying on government grants to fund high-quality research into all cancers.
Already there's been good news, with a 19 per cent improvement in five-year survival rates.
More than 61,000 people have been saved by improvements in cancer research.
The funds raised locally will help boost the lives of those suffering with cancer in the New England North West.
"For an inaugural event it's just gone above and beyond all expectations, and we just want to say thank you," Ms Shanahan said.
Mike Penman won the judges' award.
