Arthritis NZ eceives Dancing With The Stars Money

Media Release
 

For immediate release
14th August 2009

Arthritis New Zealand receives Dancing With The Stars Donations

With Geraldine Brophy’s dancing feet and the support of the public, Arthritis New Zealand has received a cheque for $24,795.53 from the text voting campaign on Dancing With The Stars.

Geraldine Brophy chose the organisation as her preferred charity to support on the show. Sandra Kirby, Chief Executive for Arthritis New Zealand, said “She was the best representative we could have asked for.  Not only did she get to the final four, but she promoted us every chance she got and helped to raise awareness about this debilitating disease.

“We are delighted that she did so well, despite having to dance through the pain of Osteo.” Brophy was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis a few years ago and had to use hot and cold packs throughout the filming of the show, along with a fair amount of pain killers. 

Brophy said, “Thank you for voting for me and supporting both mine and Stefano’s efforts on behalf of Arthritis New Zealand.  The public of New Zealand are generous and we are all the better for our Dancing With The Stars association.  I can reliably state that dancing doesn’t kill you!  It makes you stronger.”

TVNZ head of television, Jeff Latch, said all money raised from public votes went to the charities once telecommunications and service provider charges were taken out of the cost of voting. He said neither TVNZ nor BBC Worldwide, which originated the Dancing With The Stars concept, retained any money from viewers’ votes.

Brophy has also decided to continue her support of Arthritis New Zealand by acting as the face of their Annual Appeal, which starts with the National Street Day on Friday 25th September this year.

ENDS

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