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Luke Thomson has two clear motivation for saying \u2018yes\u2019 to being part of the 2023 Swinging with the Stars event \u2013 stepping outside his comfort zone and giving back to the community.<\/p>\n
For Luke, taking time out of his busy work and family schedule, to support a community cause is not new.<\/p>\n
He was at the forefront of this year\u2019s hugely successful headspace Mental Health Charity Football Match that included the likes of Dane Swan and Shane Mumford and raised more than $40,000 but taking to the football field is right in Luke\u2019s wheelhouse \u2013 dancing a tango, not so much. \u201cI thought \u2018why not\u2019 \u2013 I can raise some money for the community and do something different that I would never usually do,\u201d Luke said. Prior to joining the 2023 group of eight local identities, Luke knew very little about the event or its beneficiary the Stand Like Stone Foundation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew a little bit about it but not actually what was the driving force behind it and it is amazing what they do,\u201d Luke said.<\/p>\n
His funds will be filtered into the Stand Like Stone Foundation general fund.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is such a good foundation so hopefully I can raise plenty of money,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Admitting her has no dancing skills at all, just over a month into rehearsals and Luke is actually enjoying the challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is better than what I thought it was going to be,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is tricky to get everything going at once, your arms, your feet, but it is good fun and the group is a really fun group.\u201d<\/p>\n
The biggest challenge for Luke will be finding those extra times for rehearsing as the June 17 gala performance approaches \u2013 his hospitality career leaves scant free time.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we are intending to ramp it up as it gets closer,\u201d he said. Luke does have a secret weapon though \u2013 his partner Chanel Dimuccio is a dance teacher.<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\n\u201cI have been able to do a little bit of extra practice at home,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was also good when I got to the first meeting that I knew a few of the guys involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
And while Luke and all the eight stars are looking to do their best on the dance floor, it is the impact they can have in the community that is the main driving force.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of people out there in the community that need extra help,\u201d Luke said. \u201cI have somehow found myself with a voice and a bit of a following and why would you not use that to help people.\u201d Kahlia Egan recruited the well known community advocate to the 2023 event.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t hesitate to say \u2018yes\u2019 and then I stopped and thought about it, especially with the time it would take me away from my family but in the end, the chance to do something different and something worthwhile for the community was the reason I was happy to get involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Happy to play football in front of a crowd, hitting the dancefloor in front of a packed Barn Palais is going to be a completely different challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know I will be nervous, very nervous,\u201d Luke said. \u201cIt is a different sort of performing and in front of different people and I am not the best dancer but I am looking forward to putting on a good show for people and have a laugh at myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luke has some promotions and events going on at The Globe Hotel and Jens Hotel so follow him on his social media platforms for details on how you can get involved or donate through the Stahd Like Stone Foundation website and follow the links.<\/p>\n
Luke Thomson to swap footy boots for dancing shoes in Swinging with the Stars Luke Thomson has two clear motivation for saying \u2018yes\u2019 to being part of the 2023 Swinging with the Stars event \u2013 stepping outside his comfort zone and giving back to the community. For Luke, taking time out of his […]<\/p>\n