Countdown is on to fundraising gala

EIGHT Limestone Coast personalities are perfecting their fancy footwork for Stand Like Stone’s showcase fundraising event Swinging with the Stars being held on Saturday, June 28.

This year Stand Like Stone is delighted to welcome event partner Ray White, Mt Gambier, Robe, Penola.

Ray White has aligned with Stand Like Stone due to principal Tahlia Gabrielli’s personal involvement with Stand Like Stone and the Swinging with the Stars event.

“The significant support Stand Like Stone provides to our local community and its mission resonates with my values and I’m proud to contribute to a foundation that empowers to create lasting change and strong connections”, Tahlia said.

Stand Like Stone chair Georgie McKay said they were grateful for Tahlia’s involvement in supporting Swinging with the Stars as a committee member for many years and were now excited to welcome Ray White as an event partner for the 2025 event.

Ray White’s alignment with the event also reflects the agency’s commitment to community engagement.

The stars have been partnered with accomplished local dancers and are being trained by Envy Dance Studio.

Tickets to Swinging with the Stars are now on sale and to purchase tickets, to find out more about the Stars or to donate visit www.standlikestone.com.au/swinging-with-the-stars-2025/

Since Stand Like Stone’s inaugural Swinging with the Stars event in 2008, more than $1 million has been raised.

A longstanding presence in the Limestone Coast, Stand Like Stone, by giving grants and scholarships empowers communities to undertake locally led work that is important to them, supporting community groups to achieve their goals and meet local needs and opportunities and assists students to achieve their academic and professional goals.

2025 STARS:

Adam Smith, youth and mental health worker, raising funds to support the future of arts and trades through the Lorry Humphreys Arts & Trades Sub Fund. Adam’s goal is to give what he can to make the world a better place, even if it means stepping out of his comfort zone and dancing!

Sarah Laurie, Robe fair trade clothing retailer, supporting the newly created Robe and Districts sub fund, dancing to give back to the community and to experience something Sarah never thought she would be approached to do!

Sofie Maiorano, multi-talented barista, receptionist and interior / joinery designer, raising funds for the Penola Coonawarra Wellbeing sub fund. Growing up Sofie wanted to be a bus driver and drive all her friends to the local shopping centre, now having recently moved to the Penola area, Sofie is enjoying being involved in the community.

Samantha Brown, teacher and softball extraordinaire, is supporting the Mount Gambier High School educational scholarship sub fund. A previous classical ballet enthusiast Samantha is dancing to give back and support Mount Gambier High School students.

Josh Hancock, farmer and weekend sailor, began his dancing “career” at the Reedy Creek old time dances as a kid, then Kingston and Naracoorte Blue Light Discos. Josh is raising funds for the Kingston Community School educational scholarship sub fund. He’s likes dancing and it felt right to say YES!

Brody Virgo, self-confessed nerd and maths coordinator at Tenison, is raising funds for the sub fund that speaks most to him – the Limestone Coast Agri-Links Mental Health Sub Fund. Brody is dancing to give the students another reason to laugh at him and to step out of his comfort zone.

Adam (Hoggett) Merrett, Merrett Logging superstar, makes his own songs up in the shower and dances in the supermarket. Is dancing to raise funds for the Penola Coonawarra Wellbeing Sub Fund.

Ailie Staples, accountant, is dancing to raise funds for the Steven Noble Memorial sub fund, to have fun, put herself out of her comfort zone and to try something different.