Celebrity Dance Off an opportunity for Vinnie Taylor to make a wake up call about domestic violence

The charity at the heart of the 2019 Celebrity Dance Off was the Friends of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. The entire reason for this event is to raise money for the charitable cause, but perhaps even more importantly to raise awareness about. It certainly has raised awareness for the Friends this year… a non-profit that supports our health care system with the creature comforts that turn a hospital room into something more healing. From toys, books and stuffies for young patients to curtains, carts and monitors.. the Friends do more than most imagine.

But when Vinnie Taylor and Olya Joseph were paired off at the beginning of the 2019 journey, they discovered another cause dear to their hearts. The professional communicator and the professional dancer decided they’d try to impact the community in a different way by sharing their own early life experiences with the community. Both grew up in homes with abuse. They drew from these brutal experiences to bring a different style of dance to the floor in 2019. Maybe the fact this performance featured celebrity Vinnie Taylor made it even more astounding. Anyone expecting the same cheery approach they might hear on Real Country 95.5 would have been shocked. Many were shocked. Just look on the faces of those on the edge of the dance floor. In all the years of the Celebrity Dance Off, this Rumba / Paso Doble by Vinnie Taylor and Olya Joseph was by far the most intense performance we’ve ever seen. Experience a side of this celebrity you had no idea existed.

My Story…

Hi I’m Vinnie Taylor! One half of the Real Wakeup on Real Country 95.5.

I’m so excited to be dancing this year. I am watching all of the classics, Grease, Dirty Dancing and of course Hairspray. I admit that one of my favourite shows is Dancing with the Stars and I’ve always envisioned myself doing the paso doble. I hope I get to wear a pair of tear away pants.

I grew up around Alberta and loved living in Red deer. I work with several organizations like 100 men red deer, the United Way, Aspire Special Needs, and Ronald McDonald House. I was Mr. February in Dad Bod For a Rad Cause Movember calendar. Every year I “Walk a mile in her shoes “ for Women’s Outreach Centre.

I have two left feet so my dance partner has her work cutout. I used to be able to bend over, but not so much anymore. To call this a challenge is definitely an understatement.

I am very honoured and hope to make everyone proud. Let the dancing begin… cha cha cha!

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Duane Rolheiser

After 15 years as a TV reporter with Global and CBC and as news director of RDTV in Red Deer, Duane set out on his own 2008 as a visual storyteller. During this period, he became fascinated with a burgeoning online world and how it could better serve local communities. This fascination led to Todayville, launched in 2016.

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Celebrity Dance Off

The Friends of the Red Deer Regional Hospital play a critical role in patient comfort

Published on April 23, 2019

Duane Rolheiser

There are a lot of moving parts (excuse the pun) in Red Deer’s annual Celebrity Dance Off. But in the end, Dance Off sets out to accomplish two goals with each performance. One is to raise funds for a much needed cause in our region. Two is to raise the profile of that same cause. In the long run, the second goal is probably more important. A higher profile can mean more ongoing support from volunteers and through donations.

In 2019 the Celebrity Dance Off partnered with the Friends of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. Here’s what Dance Off Chair Christine Moore said when the partnership was announced.

“With roots going back to 1904, this group of dedicated volunteers have fundraised to support the care and comfort of patients at our hospital. Over the last 38 years, they have raised over $7 million. They exemplify everything about volunteerism and giving back to the community. They are the unsung heroes of our hospital.”

And this comes from the Friends website: “our mission is to facilitate innovative fundraising programs for equipment and services that benefit patient care and comfort in the Red Deer Regional Hospital…

Our fundraising dollars are geared to the purchase of medical furniture and fixtures, and to patient care and comfort up to a maximum of $4,999.00 per item. The Friends Centre assists with the provision of day-to-day supplies and comfort items. This includes personal grooming items, nursing supplies such as blood pressure monitors, blanket warmers and furniture for the units to share.”

Sometimes though it’s just best to ask those who see the benefits the Friends bring every day… Please enjoy this video.

Celebrity Dance Off

Travolta and Newton-John wrap up the Celebrity Dance Off

Published on April 20, 2019

Duane Rolheiser

Trevor Sopracolle went from watching the Celebrity Dance Off last year, to being front and centre this year! Trevor was the first “Oil Man” in the Celebrity Dance Off. Hopefully the first of many. He’s also one of the toughest looking Travolta’s you’ll ever see. Trevor and his pro partner Alex McPherson wrapped up the show with a brilliant choice of music from Grease. “Olivia” was amazing.. and “John” turned the world upside down. See for yourself. ..

My Story…

I was born in Goodsoil, Saskatchewan and moved to Alberta when I was in grade 3 and spent most of my youth in Consort.

I lost my Dad to cancer when I was in high school and so I grew up fast. At 17 I secured a loan for a 2-bedroom house with a dirt floor basement. To make ends meet, I worked as a tire technician at the local tire shop while attending high school. One of the only benefits of owning your own place in high school is having the coolest parties after the high school dances!

I moved to Red Deer in 1999 at the age of 19 and began working at Fountain Tire. Not long later a local snubbing company hired me. Over a 10-year period I worked my way up becoming a senior supervisor overseeing most of the higher-class pressure jobs and many overseas projects. In 2008, Garrett Radchenko and I started Goliath Snubbing Ltd., and we haven’t looked back.

I have also been blessed with the best kids a Dad could ask for. Being a single Dad with three kids under 8 definitely keeps me busy.