Sunnybrae Residents to Dance with the Shuswap Stars
By Jo Boxwell
Meaghan and Marc Zaichkowsky aren’t dancers, but they are community-minded. When organizing committee member Tracy Hughes asked the couple if they would be willing to participate in this year’s Dancing with the Shuswap Stars fundraising event, Meaghan admitted, “It was completely out of our comfort zone.” They agreed to participate in the Shuswap Hospice Society fundraiser when they learned more about the compassionate care and support the charity offers individuals and their families facing end-of-life challenges. Meaghan explained, “When we went to the introduction night for Shuswap Hospice, they gave us a tour of their space and what they’re about, and it became very apparent the need we have for such a society.”
Meaghan and Marc Zaichkowsky, Dancing with the Shuswap Stars 2024 participants (photo contributed)
Marc and Meaghan have lived in Sunnybrae for 15 years and are the owners of Ricochet Brewing. The commercial brewery is in their backyard, and this past summer, they opened a taphouse in downtown Salmon Arm. Supporting community organizations is nothing new for them. Marc is the chief of the Tappen-Sunnybrae Fire Department, and Meaghan is president of the Carlin Elementary Middle School Parent Advisory Council.
As the Dancing with the Shuswap Stars gala night approaches, one of the biggest challenges for the couple in preparing for the event has been finding time to rehearse together. Between their three kids, a business and their other commitments, they don’t have a lot of free time. “We usually clear the tables in the taphouse, we did it this morning, and we pounded out a dance practice,” Marc said.
The hospice society organizers have also helped them prepare, providing dance lessons for competitors on Sunday evenings. “The instructors from Okanagan City Dance have been amazing,” Meaghan said, adding that the lessons represent a very accelerated program to get the competitors ready in time for the event. The instructors helped them decide the style of dance and the song. Marc and Meaghan will be performing a ballroom waltz.
When it comes to the big night, the couple will have to manage their nerves, but they are also excited to see their fellow competitors perform. They hope it will be a fun evening as the community comes together to support a very worthy cause.
For those who would like to support our local South Shuswap competitors, you can “vote” for Marc and Meaghan by purchasing stars online at shuswapstars.ca ($5 per star). Visit this link to view the couple’s fundraising page. Tickets are also now on sale for the gala event. All funds raised go to the Shuswap Hospice Society. Online votes will be added to in-event votes to determine the overall winners of this year’s competition.
Dancing with the Shuswap Stars will hit the SASCU Recreation Centre in Salmon Arm on November 16th starting at 6pm. For those familiar with the TV show, the Dancing with the Shuswap Stars gala event will follow a similar program, but will also include gourmet charcuterie boxes, a cash bar and opportunities for guests to dance.
Good luck Meaghan and Marc!
