IN an unbelievable show of community support, a Cancer Council fundraiser generated more than $57,000 for the charity.
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The Stars of Bathurst Dance for Cancer was held on Saturday night after weeks of rehearsals and smaller fundraisers by nine local stars.
They were John Vickery, Krysti Lee Rigby, Lorraine Heness, Kurt Waterford, Sarah Boorer, Carolyn Pentecost, Bill and Carly Sewell (dancing as a duo) and Courtney Glazebrook.
The stars were supported in their dance routines by Bathurst dance studios, which helped to train them up for their performances on the night.
Cancer council spokesperson Ricky Puata said the performances were all very entertaining, but in the end there were only four awards to be handed out.
Ms Heness, a midwife at Bathurst hospital, was the highest point scorer from the judges based on her belly dancing performance with Bashira Bathurst.
"We were very happy with each of the people who picked up the awards," Mr Puata said.
"Lorraine did a great performance on the night and put in a lot of effort."
The highest fundraiser was father and daughter duo Bill and Carly Sewell, and the pair also picked up the Stars' Star award.
Mr Puata said this award was voted on by the stars as a chance to recognise one of their own, for not only their performance on the night, but their spirit throughout the fundraiser.
The final award, People's Choice, went to real estate agent Kurt Waterford, who took inspiration from Queen with his comedic dance routine to a melody of the quartet's biggest hits, including I want to Break Free and We Will Rock You.
A total of $57,016 was raised from the fundraiser, a massive improvement on previous years.
"Last year, we raised $41,000, so we are very pleased. We had more people at this event and more funds raised," Mr Puata said.
When asked why this event resonates with the Bathurst community, he said that fighting cancer was a cause everyone could get behind and the city had a history of generously supporting the Cancer Council.
He also felt people liked the opportunity to have a fun night out while supporting the performers and charity.
"We're just very thankful for the Bathurst community for backing this event and supporting us," he said.
All money raised from the Stars of Bathurst Dance for Cancer will be used by the Cancer Council to help fund cancer support programs locally.
Mr Puata said the event will definitely return in 2020 with a new lineup of local stars.