Dancing fundraiser a success

Joanne and Alex Smith having a boogie at the Let's Dance 70's and 80's Cranford Hospice fundraiser at the Napier Conference Centre on Saturday night. Photo/ Warren Buckland.

People dived back in to the 70s and 80s on Saturday night as Cranford Hospice put on their Let's Dance fundraiser.

The likes of Elvis Presley, Abba, Bruce Springsteen and Beetlejuice filled the Napier Conference Centre for a night of soul, funk, boogie, pop and disco.

Cranford Hospice marketing and fundraising manager Nathalie Van Dort said 120 people attended and more than $6000 was raised.

"We are thrilled as ticket sales doubled when compared to last year so we couldn't be happier."

Ms Van Dort said people got right into the 70s and 80s spirit dancing from 8pm until 12am.

This was the second time the hospice had put on the event and Ms Van Dort said they were already planning for next year.

"We started it last year as we wanted to create a fun event while raising money for the hospice around our motto 'living every moment' so what better way to do it than via a night of dancing."

Ms Van Dort said there were a lot of new faces there last night so was confident the event could continue to grow and next they hoped to add spot prizes in to the mix for best dressed.

"It is such a fun night and if people aren't dancing themselves then they are having a wonderful time watching others."

The Cranford Hospice have to raise $2.8 million every year equating to $7700 a day so Ms Van Dort said events like this go a long way.

"We value the support of the community and the spirit of everyone on Saturday was exceptional."