Exchanging fear for fundraising on the dance floor

Online mums-supporter Ami Zielinski is shimmying as she dons her dance shoes in preparation for Stars of Orange 2023.

Co-founder and director of Central West Mums (CWM), Ami is joining nine other business owners and personalities from the Orange area breaking dance moves to raise funds to fight cancer.

“The night would not be possible without the help of our fabulously talented dance teachers, and it’s a really big night of entertainment for everyone attending,” she says, admitting she’s not danced like this since her teenage years. “My body is not moving the same way it did all those years ago and it’s testing my memory!”

Reducing the future burden of cancer

The annual fundraising evening is an opportunity for the dancing Stars to raise money for the Cancer Council.

All funds raised are greatly valued as one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, and money raised from this event will be used in world class cancer research prevention programs, advocacy and services.

However, it’s not all terror and sleepless nights thinking through her routine. “Since the launch night we’ve definitely been encouraged to get to know the other contestants. It makes it a better experience – more fun – and we’re linked up and talking on Cancer Council’s WhatsApp page and are more excited now tickets have gone on sale.”

Ami’s been paired up by organiser Cassandra Sullivan with New Generation Dance Studio’s Lindsay Punch to find her inner-dancer and lessons have begun in the dance studio.

“I’m not having a lot of fun yet; more butterflies at the moment, but dancing makes me happy,” Ami said.

“Lindsay is very experienced and very patient. She teaches kids from a very young age and up, so I think I’m very good hands. She somehow works it out as we go; we chat and I have a go, that kind of thing, and she’s very encouraging. She keeps telling me I’ll get this, by doing it part by part, but I’m so nervous.”

Even without a recent dancing background, Ami’s career in publishing, running CWM and being a mum to two boys has taught her how to face challenges and figure things out.

“More of my energy right now is focused on the fundraising as I want to make an impact. The minimum amount we are to each raise is $3,500 but I want to keep going and raise as much as possible for all those services.”

Almost one third of cancer cases diagnosed in Australia each year are preventable

“I’m influenced by my husband being the western Cancer Council clinical trials director who is so invested in research, so I am quite geared to helping research particularly, and support services, being available to remote and regional patients for a better outcome,” she said.

“Cancer spares no one, so I want to be part of the fight for change in the survival rates of nasty and rare cancers. I have also learnt how vital exercise and stress management is for preventing cancer and managing cancer symptoms. This is where the dancing comes back into the frame. I know my commitment will also improve my own health and wellbeing.”

Innovating against cancer

Ms Zielinski is hoping to raise enough money to make it all worthwhile and has a number of fundraising initiatives underway.

“I’m doing a Mother’s Day raffle with 100% of proceeds going to the Cancer Council; a collaboration with one of the other participants (Peta Swift) to do a gardening masterclass – where my part will be teaching how to make beautiful kale pesto; I have a Stars donate-tile on my email and CWM website, and cooking classes where enquiries and bookings can be made at info@centralwestmums.com.au.”

It’s a lot of work for contestants, and quite a journey too, but the results are certainly worth it.

“I’m feeling absolutely overwhelmed with nerves about the whole thing as we get more into it it will improve for me, but on the night I’m going to be dancing my heart out – and hey…it’s good to get out of our comfort zones, right?,” she laughs.

To donate to Ami’s campaign visit https://stars.cancercouncil.com.au/fundraisers/amorettezielinski/stars-of-orange

Tickets on sale soon. Stars of Orange: 27 May Orange Function Centre.