Putting on the Harcourts Dancing with the Stars event to raise funds for a worthy cause has been a community effort.
Rotorua Hospice's biggest fundraiser of the year is set to take place tomorrowat the Rotorua Energy Events Centre.
Twenty local Rotorua identities have given their time and courage, being paired as dance partners, and have had 16 weeks to practice.
The event also includes silent and live auctions which local businesses and community members have contributed to.
This year, the silent auction has been moved to a mobile platform which is live now.
People can bid on their phones, similar to Trade Me. For sign up information go to www.facebook.com/HarcourtsDancingwiththeStars.
Rotofobia executive mistress of escape Inga Eglite says they are a part of the silent auction, with a 12-people team building event at the Rotofobia escape house up for grabs.
She says, being a dancer last year, you become part of the family and feel like you still want to be a part of it somehow.
"Hopefully altogether we can raise a nice amount for Hospice."
She has heard so many touching stories about Hospice.
"From what I've heard from people it has made a great difference.
"We never know when things might happen to our families. It's nice to know there is this option and hopefully we can all continue to keep it going."
This year's judges are made up of Olympian Dame Valerie Adams, Tamati Coffey, Suzanne Paul and d'Artagnan Kennedy.
Rotorua Community Hospice fundraising and marketing manager Nicola Smallwood says it is always a bit nerve-racking during event week.
"Everything feels like it's falling into place though, and we're excited to put on a great show for the community and for Rotorua Hospice."
She says the couples are looking amazing.
"It's incredible to see the transformation they have been on from the first day until now.
"These are all people who have never danced this style before, so to give up their time for 16 weeks and perform in front of 2000 people is really amazing."
Nicola says she is looking forward to seeing all the hard work come together, to watching the amazing group of dancers give it their all, and ultimately, to raise a lot of money for Hospice.
"I'm also really excited for our audience – it's going to be a really fun night and it's become a big night on the Rotorua event calendar."
She says it is a privilege to organise this event on behalf of Rotorua Hospice.
"Our clinical team are an incredible bunch of compassionate, caring people and knowing that this supports them and our patients is what really drives the whole event.
"It's also been special getting to know 20 individuals who have given up their time for Hospice as well as our dance instructors, Shelley and Troy."
She says they would love to raise $150,000 again, but a lot of that depends on the auction on the night as well.
"We've also introduced a People's Choice Award and you can vote for a couple for $3 with all the proceeds going to Rotorua Hospice."
There are still some general admission tickets left which are $35 from Ticketmaster, or $45 on the door on the night if not sold out prior.
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