REGINA — More than $237,000 was raised in a single night as Regina’s Swinging with the Stars set a new fundraising record for Hope’s Home.
The ballroom at the Delta Hotel in Regina pulsed with music, nerves and anticipation as eight local leaders stepped into the spotlight.
They had spent months rehearsing. They had practiced lifts, spins and footwork. They had pushed past sore muscles and busy schedules.
But on Feb. 7, at the eighth annual Swinging with the Stars presented by Saskatchewan Blue Cross, they were dancing for something far greater than a trophy.
By the end of the night, the sold-out crowd of 600 helped raise $237,564 in support of Hope’s Home, setting a new record for the event.
“It was really incredible this year,” said founder Jacqueline Tisher. “We sold out, raised a bunch of money, saw some amazing celebrity dancers and professional dancers, and even had some of our kids dance. After expenses, we raised $237,564 for the children in our programs. Isn’t that incredible?”
It is more than incredible. It is life-changing.
Inspired by the ballroom, driven by purpose
Modeled after the hit television series Dancing with the Stars, Swinging with the Stars pairs eight influential community members with professional dancers. Over several months, the duos learn and perfect a two- to three-minute choreographed routine before performing live.
The audience votes for their favourite pair, crowning champions while raising funds through sponsorships, donations and spirited competition.
This year’s People’s Choice Award went to Dr. Erin Kott and professional dancer Julie Stewart after they raised more than $50,000 on their own. Judges’ Choice was awarded to Jonah Toth and longtime pro dancer Sam Weber for a high-energy mash-up that brought the crowd to its feet.
Over eight years, the event has now raised more than $1 million for Hope’s Home, with this year surpassing last year’s total by nearly $50,000.
But the most powerful moments of the night did not involve sequins or scores.
They involved children.
The heart behind Hope’s Home
Hope’s Home was founded in 2005 after Tisher’s world changed forever.
Her first daughter, Acacia, was born with spina bifida and showed her mother what resilience truly looks like. Years later, Tisher welcomed a foster baby named Hope Dawn Marie into her home. Hope lived just 10 months, spending much of her short life in hospital.
During that time, Tisher realized families caring for children with complex medical needs often face overwhelming gaps once they leave hospital care.
“In Hope’s honour, we opened Hope’s Home,” Tisher said. “All children like Hope deserve a home and a family to love and care for them.”
Today, Hope’s Home operates medically inclusive early learning and childcare centres in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. The organization also runs residential homes across Saskatchewan where 33 children live full time with round-the-clock medical support from birth to age 18. They also provide pediatric palliative care, walking alongside families through some of their most difficult moments.
“We care for children with complex medical needs here in Saskatchewan,” Tisher said. “Fundraising is essential for the unique programs we offer and for the capital needs of our buildings. We love what we do.”
A night that meant more
Throughout the evening, families shared their journeys. Parents spoke about sleepless nights and hospital stays. Children took to the dance floor and reminded the room why the event exists.
Tisher said those stories are what stay with her.
“My favourite part of the evening is watching the children dance and hearing our families share their journey and the impact Hope’s Home has had on them. That’s the highlight for me.”
For families navigating feeding tubes, oxygen tanks, wheelchairs and complex diagnoses, Hope’s Home provides more than medical care.
It provides normalcy. Stability. Joy.
It gives parents the chance to be parents. Siblings the chance to simply be siblings. And children the chance to be kids first.
As the final total was announced, the ballroom erupted. Tears mixed with cheers. Strangers hugged. Dancers who began this journey nervous and unsure left knowing their steps had helped secure specialized equipment, inclusive programming and compassionate care for children across Saskatchewan.
It was a night where every spin, every dip and every standing ovation translated into something tangible and lasting.
You can watch a highlight video of some of the most unforgettable moments from the evening at the top of this story.
