Hospice of Michigan Gets into the Swing, Joins SwingShift and the Stars 2012 Charity Dance-Off

TRAVERSE CITY, MI, August 19, 2012 (Press-News.org) Hospice of Michigan has strapped on its dancing shoes as it prepares to join SwingShift and the Stars Dance-off for Charity.

Tammy Tarsa, an exceptional cutter of rugs who also owns Integrity Home Health Care in Traverse City, will represent Hospice of Michigan in the four-month competition that gives six non-profits the opportunity to raise money and exposure for their programs. Tarsa's partner will be Victor Dinsmoore, a longtime employee of AT&T and self-described "dangerous student dancer."

Tarsa and Dinsmoore will be dancing to benefit Hospice of Michigan, the original - and largest - hospice in the state of Michigan. The non-profit organization cares for more than 1,000 patients each day in 56 counties, including more than 70 patients daily in the greater Traverse City area. Funds raised from SwingShift and the Stars will be used to cover the costs of care for the uninsured and the underinsured, as well as for unique programs such as We Honor Vets.

"We are delighted to be one of an elite group of charities selected to compete in SwingShift and the Stars," said Marcie Hillary, vice president of community relations for Hospice of Michigan. "This is certainly a very fun - and healthy - way to get people out of their seats and moving for a great cause. Tammy and Victor are naturals together, and are developing a rigorous schedule of practice sessions to ensure they are ready for the first competition on Sept. 21.

"We encourage all Hospice of Michigan supporters to cut a little loose and join us to support this great, engaging community event."

SwingShift and the Stars Dance-Off for Charity is the brainchild of Judy Harrison, president and owner of High Impact Productions and the lead vocalist and creative manager for her band SwingShift. Harrison was compelled to create an event that would combine two of her passions: music and philanthropy.

Having attended plenty of fundraisers, she was convinced that "fun" needed to be reintroduced into charity fundraising, gala events and resource initiatives. By combining a healthy dose of good-natured competition a la Dancing with the Stars style with an affordable opportunity for charities to educate the community about their mission and target demographic, she did just that.

Thursday's event at the City Opera House is the first time that Hospice of Michigan and other charities involved were allowed to reveal their involvement. They are followed by four other events, also held at the Opera House, that will allow each dancing team to show their moves to an appreciative audience, who is asked to donate money to show support.

"I've never been a dancer, though I've certainly seen first-hand the amazing difference Hospice of Michigan makes for clients and their loved ones, which is why I'm learning to dance," said Tarsa, HOM's dancing star. "I appreciate the community's support as we raise funds for this wonderful, local non-profit that provides compassionate care in our community."

Events will be held Sept. 21, Oct. 19 and Nov. 16, with the Grand Finale event on Dec. 21. Supporters can also make donations online throughout the run of the season by attending each of the dance competitions and voting for their favorite couple via a donation. Donations can also be made online.

Hospice of Michigan has set a goal of raising $50,000 through the SwingShift event. All monies raised will stay in the Traverse City area to help provide end-of-life care to community members regard of their age, diagnosis or ability to pay.

About Hospice of Michigan
A nationally recognized leader in end-of-life care, Hospice of Michigan is the original - and largest - hospice in the state of Michigan. The non-profit organization cares for more than 1,000 patients each day in 56 counties, raising more than $4 million each year to cover the cost of care for the uninsured and underinsured. HOM offers innovative programs to enhance the quality of care for people at the end of life, education programs for physicians and healthcare professionals, caregiver education materials, cultural diversity programs for end-of-life care, and research and education programs at the Maggie Allesee Center for Quality of Life. For more information, call Hospice of Michigan's CARE Center 24/7 at 888.247.5701 or go to http://www.hom.org.