
NBS Dancing For A Cause 2025 Raises Record $670,000 For Nelson Tasman
Press Release – Nelson Tasman Hospice
The $670,000 raised will help Nelson Tasman Hospice continue to provide specialist palliative care to approximately 210 patients and their whnau/families every month.
The final fundraising total is in — and it's nothing short of extraordinary.
At a special thank-you celebration held on Thursday 29 May, the Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust proudly announced that NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 has raised an incredible $670,000 in support of Nelson Tasman Hospice.
This record-breaking figure marks the highest amount ever raised by the biennial event and will directly contribute to providing free specialist palliative care for patients and their whānau across the region.
Held over two unforgettable nights on the 16 and 17 May at the Trafalgar Centre, NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 brought together ten extraordinary locals and their dedicated dance partners, who gave it their all in a dazzling display of community spirit, storytelling, theatre and dance.
'This journey has been about more than just dancing,' said Jayde Howe, BNZ Financial Adviser and winner of the Most Funds Raised award. 'It's about making a tangible difference in our community. The support I've received has been overwhelming, and I'm honoured to contribute to such a vital cause.'
Jayde raised a remarkable $250,660 through multiple fundraisers, including a quiz night, gala dinner, and G.J. Gardner home build — a shining example of just how powerful community giving can be.
The Overall Judges' Award went to Rhys Black and dance partner Rebecca Higham, whose dynamic jive wowed the judges and earned the top spot on the leaderboard.
'The competition was fierce with everyone committed to their journey through their own respective experiences with palliative care' said Rhys.
'These performances honoured not only loved ones passed or facing hardship, but also for those who remain and are committed to stepping up in whatever way to help the team at Nelson Tasman Hospice, so they can continue to help our community when we need them most. It's been an absolute privilege to share this journey with the Dancing for a Cause team and connect with remarkable community leaders. With fantastic performances across both nights, it could have been anyone's game – but especially sweet to get the result, managing to edge out my wife, professional dancer Hazel Black, earn a lifetime of boasting rights and keep the trophy here in Wakefield!'
Ed Shuttleworth, Chief Executive of Sport Tasman, and his partner Brooke Silke-Atkins won the Yondi Foundation People's Choice Award on both performance nights for their unforgettable tango.
'With Brooke by my side, I was determined to enjoy the moment and make her proud.' said Ed. 'I am immensely proud of our collective fundraising, the profile we have generated for Hospice and importantly how we have connected with our community. Vitally we have brought the community together and created time and space for critical conversations and support. I feel very honoured to have been part of something so special and am committed to keep supporting Hospice.'
More than 4,000 people attended the two-night event, and countless others supported contestants through raffles, events, and donations — all united in support of hospice care.
Garry Hammond Chair of the Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust says we are simply blown away with what the combined team have achieved, both creatively and from their fundraising. This event is made possible from the hard mahi of so many people and championed by Emma Silke-French who has for the last 18 months worked tirelessly to make it all happen. Since it's beginning's Dancing for a Cause has contributed $1,469,000 in support of free hospice service and we are so proud of this achievement and the difference it makes in our community.
Nelson Tasman Hospice CEO Tony Gray says the biennial event makes a direct impact on our ability to do what we do:
'This total means so much to our teams, our patients, and their families. It reflects the compassion and strength of our community. We are immensely grateful to every single person involved — from the dancers to the donors, the volunteers, sponsors, and audience members. Together, we have made something truly meaningful happen.'
The $670,000 raised will help Nelson Tasman Hospice continue to provide specialist palliative care to approximately 210 patients and their whānau/families every month. With nearly half of hospice funding needing to come from the community, NBS Dancing for a Cause is vital to enabling us to provide our services free over the next twelve months.
The Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust, along with Emma Silke-French, would like to express heartfelt thanks to all involved for their dedication, generosity, and enthusiasm.
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Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
NBS Dancing For A Cause 2025 Raises Record $670,000 For Nelson Tasman
Press Release – Nelson Tasman Hospice The $670,000 raised will help Nelson Tasman Hospice continue to provide specialist palliative care to approximately 210 patients and their whnau/families every month. The final fundraising total is in — and it's nothing short of extraordinary. At a special thank-you celebration held on Thursday 29 May, the Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust proudly announced that NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 has raised an incredible $670,000 in support of Nelson Tasman Hospice. This record-breaking figure marks the highest amount ever raised by the biennial event and will directly contribute to providing free specialist palliative care for patients and their whānau across the region. Held over two unforgettable nights on the 16 and 17 May at the Trafalgar Centre, NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 brought together ten extraordinary locals and their dedicated dance partners, who gave it their all in a dazzling display of community spirit, storytelling, theatre and dance. 'This journey has been about more than just dancing,' said Jayde Howe, BNZ Financial Adviser and winner of the Most Funds Raised award. 'It's about making a tangible difference in our community. The support I've received has been overwhelming, and I'm honoured to contribute to such a vital cause.' Jayde raised a remarkable $250,660 through multiple fundraisers, including a quiz night, gala dinner, and G.J. Gardner home build — a shining example of just how powerful community giving can be. The Overall Judges' Award went to Rhys Black and dance partner Rebecca Higham, whose dynamic jive wowed the judges and earned the top spot on the leaderboard. 'The competition was fierce with everyone committed to their journey through their own respective experiences with palliative care' said Rhys. 'These performances honoured not only loved ones passed or facing hardship, but also for those who remain and are committed to stepping up in whatever way to help the team at Nelson Tasman Hospice, so they can continue to help our community when we need them most. It's been an absolute privilege to share this journey with the Dancing for a Cause team and connect with remarkable community leaders. With fantastic performances across both nights, it could have been anyone's game – but especially sweet to get the result, managing to edge out my wife, professional dancer Hazel Black, earn a lifetime of boasting rights and keep the trophy here in Wakefield!' Ed Shuttleworth, Chief Executive of Sport Tasman, and his partner Brooke Silke-Atkins won the Yondi Foundation People's Choice Award on both performance nights for their unforgettable tango. 'With Brooke by my side, I was determined to enjoy the moment and make her proud.' said Ed. 'I am immensely proud of our collective fundraising, the profile we have generated for Hospice and importantly how we have connected with our community. Vitally we have brought the community together and created time and space for critical conversations and support. I feel very honoured to have been part of something so special and am committed to keep supporting Hospice.' More than 4,000 people attended the two-night event, and countless others supported contestants through raffles, events, and donations — all united in support of hospice care. Garry Hammond Chair of the Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust says we are simply blown away with what the combined team have achieved, both creatively and from their fundraising. This event is made possible from the hard mahi of so many people and championed by Emma Silke-French who has for the last 18 months worked tirelessly to make it all happen. Since it's beginning's Dancing for a Cause has contributed $1,469,000 in support of free hospice service and we are so proud of this achievement and the difference it makes in our community. Nelson Tasman Hospice CEO Tony Gray says the biennial event makes a direct impact on our ability to do what we do: 'This total means so much to our teams, our patients, and their families. It reflects the compassion and strength of our community. We are immensely grateful to every single person involved — from the dancers to the donors, the volunteers, sponsors, and audience members. Together, we have made something truly meaningful happen.' The $670,000 raised will help Nelson Tasman Hospice continue to provide specialist palliative care to approximately 210 patients and their whānau/families every month. With nearly half of hospice funding needing to come from the community, NBS Dancing for a Cause is vital to enabling us to provide our services free over the next twelve months. The Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust, along with Emma Silke-French, would like to express heartfelt thanks to all involved for their dedication, generosity, and enthusiasm.


Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
NBS Dancing For A Cause 2025 Raises Record $670,000 For Nelson Tasman
The final fundraising total is in — and it's nothing short of extraordinary. At a special thank-you celebration held on Thursday 29 May, the Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust proudly announced that NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 has raised an incredible $670,000 in support of Nelson Tasman Hospice. This record-breaking figure marks the highest amount ever raised by the biennial event and will directly contribute to providing free specialist palliative care for patients and their whānau across the region. Held over two unforgettable nights on the 16 and 17 May at the Trafalgar Centre, NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 brought together ten extraordinary locals and their dedicated dance partners, who gave it their all in a dazzling display of community spirit, storytelling, theatre and dance. 'This journey has been about more than just dancing,' said Jayde Howe, BNZ Financial Adviser and winner of the Most Funds Raised award. 'It's about making a tangible difference in our community. The support I've received has been overwhelming, and I'm honoured to contribute to such a vital cause.' Jayde raised a remarkable $250,660 through multiple fundraisers, including a quiz night, gala dinner, and G.J. Gardner home build — a shining example of just how powerful community giving can be. The Overall Judges' Award went to Rhys Black and dance partner Rebecca Higham, whose dynamic jive wowed the judges and earned the top spot on the leaderboard. 'The competition was fierce with everyone committed to their journey through their own respective experiences with palliative care' said Rhys. 'These performances honoured not only loved ones passed or facing hardship, but also for those who remain and are committed to stepping up in whatever way to help the team at Nelson Tasman Hospice, so they can continue to help our community when we need them most. It's been an absolute privilege to share this journey with the Dancing for a Cause team and connect with remarkable community leaders. With fantastic performances across both nights, it could have been anyone's game - but especially sweet to get the result, managing to edge out my wife, professional dancer Hazel Black, earn a lifetime of boasting rights and keep the trophy here in Wakefield!' Ed Shuttleworth, Chief Executive of Sport Tasman, and his partner Brooke Silke-Atkins won the Yondi Foundation People's Choice Award on both performance nights for their unforgettable tango. 'With Brooke by my side, I was determined to enjoy the moment and make her proud.' said Ed. 'I am immensely proud of our collective fundraising, the profile we have generated for Hospice and importantly how we have connected with our community. Vitally we have brought the community together and created time and space for critical conversations and support. I feel very honoured to have been part of something so special and am committed to keep supporting Hospice.' More than 4,000 people attended the two-night event, and countless others supported contestants through raffles, events, and donations — all united in support of hospice care. Garry Hammond Chair of the Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust says we are simply blown away with what the combined team have achieved, both creatively and from their fundraising. This event is made possible from the hard mahi of so many people and championed by Emma Silke-French who has for the last 18 months worked tirelessly to make it all happen. Since it's beginning's Dancing for a Cause has contributed $1,469,000 in support of free hospice service and we are so proud of this achievement and the difference it makes in our community. Nelson Tasman Hospice CEO Tony Gray says the biennial event makes a direct impact on our ability to do what we do: 'This total means so much to our teams, our patients, and their families. It reflects the compassion and strength of our community. We are immensely grateful to every single person involved — from the dancers to the donors, the volunteers, sponsors, and audience members. Together, we have made something truly meaningful happen.' The $670,000 raised will help Nelson Tasman Hospice continue to provide specialist palliative care to approximately 210 patients and their whānau/families every month. With nearly half of hospice funding needing to come from the community, NBS Dancing for a Cause is vital to enabling us to provide our services free over the next twelve months. The Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust, along with Emma Silke-French, would like to express heartfelt thanks to all involved for their dedication, generosity, and enthusiasm.


Scoop
22-05-2025
- Scoop
Community Sparkles At NBS Dancing For A Cause 2025 – A Record-Breaking Weekend For Nelson Tasman Hospice
Press Release – Nelson Tasman Hospice With the final numbers not yet in, NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 has already raised $587,000 a record-breaking total that will make a lasting impact on the work of Nelson Tasman Hospice. The glitter has settled, and the scores are in: NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 lit up the Trafalgar Centre this past weekend with two shows that dazzled more than 4,000 audience members, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, and brought the Nelson Tasman community together in extraordinary support of Nelson Tasman Hospice. With the final numbers not yet in, NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 has already raised $587,000 a record-breaking total that will make a lasting impact on the work of Nelson Tasman Hospice. This incredible amount will directly support the care of approximately 210 patients and their whānau every month, ensuring that specialist palliative care remains accessible, compassionate, and free for all who need it. A final total raised will be announced in the coming weeks, when all the totals have been tallied. Held over two spectacular nights on May 16 and 17 at the Trafalgar Centre, this year's event once again showcased the power of community. Ten local personalities, each paired with a trained dance partner, took to the stage and shared not just their dance moves, but their personal connections to hospice and what this cause means to them. 'The energy across both nights was absolutely contagious,' says organiser and dance instructor Emma Silke-French. 'What stood out was the heart behind every performance, every fundraiser, and every moment shared on that stage.' Event Highlights Overall Winner The coveted Judges' Award went to Rhys Black and their partner Rebecca Higham, whose breathtaking jive performance captivated the panel of professional judges and earned top marks. Yondi Foundation People's Choice Award Voted by the audience, this year's Yondi Foundation People's Choice Award was won on both nights by Ed Shuttleworth, CE of Sport Tasman, and his partner Brooke Silke-Atkins, for a captivating tango that brought the house down. Most Funds Raised A special mention goes to Jayde Howe, BNZ Financial Adviser, who not only delivered an elegant rumba but also raised an astounding $250,000 through events including a G.J. Gardner home build, a quiz night, and a Gala Dinner. Her fundraising efforts were a shining example of generosity and commitment. Through raffles, community events, storytelling, and tireless practice, each of this year's contestants brought their community along for the journey – all in support of hospice care in the Nelson Tasman region. Tony Gray, Chief Executive of Nelson Tasman Hospice, says: 'This event is not only a highlight of our community calendar — it's a lifeline for our services. We are overwhelmed by the generosity, time, and talent poured into making this weekend such a success. On behalf of all our colleagues, patients and families – thank you.' We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Dancing for a Cause Charitable Trust, every single contestant, dancer, sponsor, volunteer, and the thousands who attended, donated, and supported the event. This incredible result wouldn't be possible without the combined effort and generosity of so many. Photos, video highlights, and official fundraising totals from the weekend will be available soon on the NBS Dancing for a Cause website and Nelson Tasman Hospice's social media in the coming days.