Fun dance for a cause

IT’S that time of year again. The annual Pakenham Rotary Club Ball is coming up on 2 July, with all proceeds raised going to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Ian Wake took over organising the ball four years ago, and says it is always a fun night out of dancing and good company.
“The three dance bands playing this year are the Silhouettes Band, New Vogue, Old Time and Latin,” Ian explained.
There are prizes for the best dressed male and female, as well as the best dressed couple.
Each year, 180 or so residents join in the fun, enjoying rock ‘n’ roll music, line dancing and even the Chicago Swing dance.
“It’s a ball for the community. We often get patrons from all over Gippsland, from Inverloch and Phillip Island,” Ian said.
The annual ball is being held this year at the Pakenham Dance Studio.
The club’s monthly dances will be held at the Pakenham Hall as of August, once it is finished.
Most of the people who come along are over 50 years of age, and Ian says that he’s glad the dances are an enjoyable night out.
“I’ve been a ballroom dancer since I was 17, and I’ll be 67 in July so I’m doing well. It’s great to see that it’s still going.”
Each year, the funds raised through the ball go into the Rotary Community Chest before being distributed to a worthy cause.
“I have family friends with muscular dystrophy, and I know they receive no government funding. I’m hoping that we raise between $1500 and $2000,” Ian said.
Anyone wishing to go to the ball can book by calling Ian on 5941 4197 or 0417 112 500.