Let the fundraising and training begin.
One group – yes, group – and one couple have come forward to announce their participation in the North Okanagan Hospice Society's (NOHS) hugely popular fundraiser, the 2025 Dancing With the Vernon Stars (DWTVS). Local community members showcase a variety of dance styles, all in support of compassionate end-of-life care.
The event is slated for Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Prestige Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre, starting at 5 p.m. sharp.
"We have seven teams and couples at the moment," the society told the Morning Star. "We have four couples and we have three groups signed up."
The first group to come forward is Team Boss Babez, which includes Marie Van Andel, Jenelle Brewer, Tetko Marchand, and Chris Martens. This dynamic quartet intends to showcase its passion and talent to support NOHS in delivering compassionate, end-of-life care to individuals and families in the North Okanagan.
Each dollar raised by the groups and couples helps fund crucial programs not covered by government funding, including grief support for families, specialized equipment, comfort items for residents.
Van Andel is a breast cancer survivor, certified life coach, finance manager, and proud mom and grandmother. She is thrilled to dance in celebration of life and in honour of friends she has lost.
Brewer is a member of the Okanagan Indian Band and a well-known dedicated community leader. She is dancing in memory of her late cousin, Marie Peters, whose warmth and kindness left a lasting impact.
Martens is the manager of operations for Integra Tire Vernon, and passionate about helping and hard work to deliver only the best for his clients. He is excited to help NOHS ensure families receive the dignity, comfort, and support they deserve.
Marchand is also an OKIB member, a busy business manager, and devoted mother and grandmother,. She is embracing her love for dance and joining forces with her teammates to make a meaningful contribution to this vital cause.
Team Boss Babez have four exciting fundraising events leading up to dance night:
• July 19: A throwback 90s/2000s DJ dance party at the Vernon Elks Hall — dress in era-appropriate attire and dance the night away;
• Aug. 14: A dress up themed movie night — details to come, guests are encouraged to dress up and indulge in the spirit of the show;
• Sept. 20: A thrilling saloon/casino night at Vernon’s Speakeasy — enjoy line dancing, two-stepping, and casino fun.
• Ongoing Shredding Event: Securely dispose of confidential documents with Interior Vault by purchasing a shredding bag for $25, with easy drop-off at Integra Tire.
The first couple out of the block is the husband/wife team of Jolene and Dan Verkerk who look to, er, 'slay' the event as they have billed themselves as Slay The Night.
"Our team, Slay the Night, is working hard not only on our dance routine but also on organizing creative community fundraisers to help support this incredible cause," said the Verkerks. "All proceeds go directly to hospice care in our region, and we are committed to exceeding our $5,000 fundraising goal."
It was 10 years ago, in 2015, that Jolene's grandparents, Ed and Bonnie Huber, participated in DWTVS.
"In those 10 years, hospice has become deeply personal to our family," said Jolene. "We’ve experienced loss, love, and the kind of care that only hospice provides — the kind that holds you through heartbreak and helps you find grace in goodbye.
"So here we are, dancing not just for fun, not just for love — but for legacy. For the family we’ve said goodbye to. And for every family still walking that road."
You can support them by making a donation at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/north-okanagan-hospice-society/p2p/teamslaythenight/ or by participating in their events:
• July 20-29 silent auction on their Facebook page
• July 25 Game On for Hospice: A VR Experience
• Aug. 10 Line Dancing for a Cause
Tickets for Dancing With The Vernon Stars are on sale now and there are ticketing options.
A general admission ticket includes open seating, live performances, access to event draws, and a welcome sip.
Reserve a table of eight or 10, and you'll get a reserved table for you and your guests, complete with welcome sips and group seating to enjoy the evening together.
Tickets are available at https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/dancing-with-the-vernon-stars--2025.
