Rotorua Community Hospice fundraising and marketing manager Jessica Meade told the Rotorua Daily Post the event raised a record-breaking $180,000, beating its $120,000 target.
“We are so thrilled.”
Everyone at Hospice and the board were “still buzzing from it”, she said.
“It means that our clinical team can continue to care for patients with a life-ending illness free of charge.”
Meade said the money would go towards the $1.2 million Hospice needed to raise annually from the community.
It meant its clinical team could continue providing patients with “the same amazing and expert care and support”.
“Our community is so generous, and I think that this is a really good example of just how awesome our community is. They really came out in force.”
Meade said a few factors contributed to the record result, including some “great grants” from Pub Charity, One Foundation and Harcourts Foundation and a reduction in catering expenses.
“Then the fundraising on the night was just phenomenal … it blew our socks off.”
The money raised from the Campbell Infrastructure People’s Choice Award “went through the roof”.
“It was the best it’s ever been by $12,000 … so it was hugely competitive.”
David Groot and Audrey Russell won the People’s Choice Award for their opening performance of the foxtrot.
Audrey Russell and David Groot won the Harcourts Dancing for Hospice 2026 People’s Choice Award. Photo / Tracey Scott
Meade said the inaugural “Hands Up for Hospice” initiative raised more than $46,000.
Attendees could raise their hands and donate different amounts as they were called out.
Meade said the event’s “staples” also went well, including the silent and live auctions.
“Everything just worked together to create this amazing result.”
Meade also acknowledged the event’s committed sponsors.
NZME is the official media sponsor of Dancing for Hospice.
Megan Wilson is a health and general news reporter for the Bay of Plenty Times and the Rotorua Daily Post. She has been a journalist since 2021.