The Rotorua community has raised a whopping $140,000 for Rotorua Community Hospice.
The amount was raised through this year's Harcourts Dancing with the Stars, which was held last Saturday at the Energy Events Centre.
Rotorua Community Hospice fundraising and marketing manager Nicola Smallwood said they were absolutely thrilled with $140,000.
"This is our major fundraising event and to come away with that amount is incredible.
"It really shows how supportive our community is of this event and Rotorua Community Hospice."
She said, as with any event, they had some significant expenses to put this show on - some of which increased this year - but to come away with $140,000 raised really topped off what was a great night.
"I think I'm still catching my breath – what a night.
Image 1 of 22: Dancing with the Stars. 28 July 2018 Daily Post photograph by Stephen Parker
"I loved the diverse range of dancers, the atmosphere in the venue, the crowd cheering and five or six months of planning paying off.
"Oh, and also the bidding during the silent and live auctions."
Smallwood said Rotorua Hospice cared for 420 patients with a life-limiting illness every year and the money raised would ensure we can continue to provide this service free of charge in the Rotorua community.
"Our clinical team can continue to offer care and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
Dance teacher and choreographer Shelley Martin said it felt fabulous to hear this much had been raised for Rotorua Community Hospice through the event.
"I'm so proud of Rotorua for getting behind it."
She said the opening act was a highlight of the night for her because it was a first for the show, and it was great being able to perform and have fun together.
Mar
tin said it was also great to see all the dancers step it up for the night, get into the zone, and perform at an even higher standard.
"The third would definitely have to be the incredible encouragement they gave to each other which was so genuine."
She said Rotorua was definitely an amazing audience and a lot of the dancers said they got energy from the mood and encouragement of the audiences.
Abbie Proudley, who was the winner of the night with dance partner Ricky Brackfield, said when they heard the news they were both blown away.
"It really was a stellar team effort from the crew and community, and it makes me proud to be a part of our Rotorua community.
"To see our community come together like that for Rotorua Hospice, it does touch your heart."
She said they were still on cloud nine, and that it had been a high-class event which people - including some from overseas - were impressed with.
Rotorua Daily Post sports reporter and dancer David Beck said the best thing about their group of dancers was none of them lost sight of why they were performing.
"Yes it was a competition, but at the end of the day we all wanted to help raise as much money as possible for Rotorua Hospice.
"So, to see the total of $140,000 is absolutely amazing and shows what a willing and supportive community we live in.
"On one hand, it is nice to have my evenings back, on the other it is a bit sad.
"Being on stage in front of that massive crowd was such a rush, I was surprised by how much I actually enjoyed it - I expected to be more nervous."