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The community members who participated in the 2025 Dancing with the Vernon Stars fundraiser (photo courtesy of the North Okanagan Hospice Society)
By Liam Verster
Dancing with the Vernon Stars

Dancing with the Vernon Stars raised over $150K for end-of-life care

Oct 29, 2025 | 2:13 PM

The organization that offers end-of-life care in the North Okanagan is getting a huge boost thanks to people willing to take the stage for a good cause.

The annual Dancing with the Vernon Stars gala was held October 18, and the event that brought together dance performances, live and silent auctions, and more raised over $150,000 for the North Okanagan Hospice Society.

Event organizers stated government funding only covers 54 per cent of hospice bed operational costs, so these funds are essential in ensuring the services are available locally.

The funding will primarily be used to support the services the Hospice Society offers, which includes hospice at home programs, residential hospice beds, and bereavement counselling.

“We are so grateful for the incredible community support that made this event such a success,” Megan Cox, executive director of the North Okanagan Hospice Society, stated.

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“Our dancers, sponsors, volunteers, and staff poured their hearts into this night, and the results speak volumes about how deeply our community values compassionate end-of-life care. Every step on that dance floor helps ensure that individuals and families in our community can experience dignity, comfort, and support through life’s final chapter.”

The Dancing with the Vernon Stars had historically involved teams of two, but this year expanded to having teams of multiple people participate. A total of 24 community members participated in the fundraising campaign and put on performances this year.

Organizers noted they were already preparing for the 2026 edition of Dancing with the Vernon Stars.

by Liam Verster
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