Head down to Penrith Beach this weekend and give a dance class a go, all in the name of charity.
Julie Sheldrake has spent her time recently learning the art of the Salsa and the Samba as she prepares to participate in the anticipated Stars of Penrith event hosted by the Cancer Council on Friday, March 21.
Now to raise funds, Sheldrake is hosting a Salsa Samba dance class with her dance partner Irene Toro from Bailemos Dance classes at Pondi this Saturday, March 8 from 2pm.
“The whole point of doing this, it’s not only about getting up on stage, it’s about raising money for the really important cause of Cancer Council NSW and we’ve all been tasked with raising about $5,000 which I’m still about $1,000 offer my target,” Sheldrake told the Weekender.
“We’ve done various events, but this is my last event in the book, the last one I’ll have time to do before the main event and it is a Salsa Samba dance lesson at Penrith Beach. It will also be International Women’s Day, but all genders are welcome, and it is to raise funds for the Cancer Council.
“We are just asking for a minimum $10 donation to participate in the dance lesson, but people can just pay what they can. We are really encouraging people to grab their friends and come down to Penrith Beach and if they can’t make it down maybe to donate via my fundraising link instead.”
Aside from the dance class there will also be baked goods for sale, cold drinks, a raffle, prizes to be won, giveaways and more with all proceeds going to Sheldrake’s fundraising total.
Sheldrake said it is important to get behind such a good cause because so many people are affected by Cancer.
“Everyone is touched by cancer in some way shape or form, whether it is a friend or a family member or yourself,” Sheldrake said.
“It’s something that I’m no stranger to unfortunately so any chance to help raise funds and do something for a cause bigger than ourselves is really welcomed. It’s just a fantastic cause and it’s been a really a lovely experience to be out in the Penrith public.”
Make sure to stop in at Penrith Beach this weekend and support a good cause, if you can’t make it but still want to donate visit stars.cancercouncil.com.au/fundraisers/juliesheldrake.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.