When a small group of dancers from Central Coast Modern Jive Dance took over hiring the auditorium at Club Wyong for dance classes, it was decided they would ask the Mounties Group for free rent.
The request, granted by the Group which also operates Halekulani Bowling Club and The Breakers, meant the small entry fee charged for dance classes could be donated to charity.
“We don’t give cash to charities, we would simply ask them what their needs are, and we buy what they need,” dance teacher Graham McMullen said.
“So far this year we have been sponsored by The Mounties Group, Baby Bunting at West Gosford, Lakes Printers at Tuggerah, Simply Mad About Christmas at Tuggerah and Honey Manic Nails at Gorokan.
“We have made donations to We Care Connect at Wyong where we purchased baby car seats and capsules with free fitting by Baby Bunting, Toukley Neighbourhood Centre food hampers for the needy and Christmas decorations as requested for the children’s ward at Gosford Hospital.
“Last Christmas two of our dancers opened up their home for a Christmas party where we raised a substantial amount of money to purchase toys and gift cards for Toukley Neighbourhood Centre.”
Group members recently paid a visit to Gosford Hospital’s children’s ward to drop off two huge boxes of Christmas decorations, gratefully received by nurse unit manager Kerry Hope and hospital play specialist Gerri Murray.
“We had so much fun with the hospital and gave the staff free dance lessons,” McMullen said.
“The kids ward should win the competition for the best-decorated Christmas ward this year.”
Over the years McMullen and his wife Colleen have been involved with multiple dance schools on the Central Coast, Sydney, and Newcastle.
“We find it a great social activity and, of course, our main aim is to teach people to dance both as beginners and up to intermediate levels with many of our dancers competing in a competition,” McMullen said.
The Learn Modern Jive classes are held at Club Wyong on a Monday night.
Partners are not required and experienced teachers in fun classes extend warm greetings to all participants.