Hospice PEI’s Dancing with the Stars
Hospice PEI Dancing with the Stars fundraising event is a fun-filled night packed with music and dancing. PEI Stars are paired with local professional dancers to show us their best moves! Various genres of dance will be highlighted throughout the night with 2 awards being given out, Judge’s Choice Award and People’s Choice Award.
Judge’s Choice Award: Awarded to the dance pair who the judges decide was the best performance.
People’s Choice Award: Awarded to the dance pair who receive the most amount of “votes” from the public.
For each $1 donation you make to Hospice PEI, you receive 1 vote for your favourite dance pair.
Tickets are $100 with a $45 charitable tax receipt. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served at 6:30 PM with our show beginning at 7:00 PM at the Delta Prince Edward (18 Queen St, Charlottetown). All guests will be seated at tables of 8 for the show. Alcoholic and non-alcohol drinks are available for purchase at numerous bars located in the event space.
Please notify Hospice PEI if there is a specific Star you are supporting and would like to be seated in their designated area – call (902) 368-4498 or email hpca@hospicepei.ca to notify Hospice PEI.
Votes for your favourite dance couple will be accepted now until the end of our show’s intermission – votes can be placed through Canada Helps by calling our Provincial Office at (902) 368-4498 or in person at our Dancing with the Stars show.
Meet Our 2023 Stars!
Zenaida was born in Mumbai, spent most of her working life and career in Dubai for 23 years, before moving to PEI in 2019 with her husband Glenn Saldanha and their children who are in University. Zenaida & Glenn live in Indian River, Kensington, PE.
Zenaida’s career spans 3 countries – Mumbai, Dubai, and PEI. Glenn and Zenaida owned and operated the Z&G Restaurant at the Holland College in Summerside for 3 years. She went on to join Commercial Leasing at Slemon Park for 2 years. Her passion for real estate, decor, and interior design, combined with her agility and connect with people, a pursuit for quality and lifestyle, and an eye for detail and modern trend, propelled her into pursuing a career in real state here in PEI. She is part of the Century 21 Northumberland Realty Team, based out of Summerside PEI. Zenaida loves showcasing PEI to the world!
Zenaida loves travelling to new countries, and along with her husband has travelled the world – North America, Europe, Mauritius, Middle East, Singapore, Thailand & Asia, Maldives, Australia to name a few. She enjoys fashion and retail, event organizing, community networking and photography. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Summerside.
Together, with her husband Glenn, they look forward to the adventure and journey ahead!
Peter resides in Wheatley River. He is the loving husband to Jill, proud father of Stephanie and Chris and a caring grandfather to Max, Isla and Maverick. Peter is a retired human resources administrator for UNB & UNBC. He also is the former Director of Human Resources at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Charlottetown. Peter is a veteran with 13 years of service, first in the regular force Canadian Army and then in the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve.
While some experience a “midlife crisis” and decide to buy a fancy sports car, for Peter it resulted in him learning to play the bagpipes at the age of 50. Peter began with the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew Pipe Band and is now a member of the College of Piping (Summerside) Pipe Band (Grade 5), heading to Scotland in summer 2023 to compete for the second time at the World Pipe Band Championships.
In 2010, after 25 years of marriage, Peter and Jillian decided that they would try a dance lesson aboard a Caribbean cruise, and they’ve been hooked on ballroom dancing ever since. Returning to PEI in 2020, they began a social dance program at the Cymbria Lions Club. Through this program he met his incredible partner Susan Lessard of the Ballroom Barn. Peter is an active volunteer with Hospice PEI since 2020 and is excited to dance the night away with Susan to fundraise for an organization that means so much to him and his family.
Dianne was born and raised in Grand Tracadie, PEI. She is the loving wife of Grant Pye and they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last July. Dianne was born into a large family and is the proud mom of two, Melissa and David. She has two wonderful grandsons named Kendez and Teryk.
Dianne worked at Veterans Affairs from 1979-2015 and served part-time in the Army Reserves prior to and during her service at Veterans Affairs. Dianne and Grant are retired snowbirds and have been residing in Florida for their winters since 2015. Together they own Pye Rentals.
In Dianne’s free time, she is an avid runner. She began in 2005 and has been running ever since, completing 113 full marathons and two ultra marathons. Dianne has also run various distances from 5km to 25km and has even qualified for both the New York and Boston marathons.
While continuing to be an active individual she also can be found at the Running Room working part-time since 2010, hanging around the Chip Shack, or while in Florida teaching a weekly line dance class. The class can range from 12-36 individuals depending on the morning. Dianne loves to dance and can be found on the dance floor to about every song that a band could play and is excited to get to dance to fundraise for Hospice PEI. Grant being a musician loves to watch her be in her happy place, whether it is dancing or running.
Susan was born and raised in Tignish, PEI. She has three fantastic young adult children and three loving dogs as well. Although Susan is originally from Tignish she currently resides in Breadalbane and has always had a love for living out in the country. There’s a simple joy that country living offers.
Susan currently works with Health PEI as a Palliative Care Coordinator for Home Care in East Prince. She has been a nurse for over 29 years and has gained plenty of experience throughout her years in the healthcare field. Susan has a passion for her work and is an advocate for palliative care. Ensuring everyone has access to high level personalized palliative care services is of great importance to her.
Dancing in front of people is not what Susan would ever picture herself doing. In fact, this event is extremely outside of her comfort zone. With that being said, Susan understands the importance that Hospice PEI holds for her clients. Although she may be more comfortable being a nurse, she’s hanging her stethoscope up for one night in exchange for a pair of dancing shoes!
Cecilia resides in Sherwood with her six-year-old daughter. She moved to PEI in early 2016 after graduating from the University of Guelph with an Honours degree in Bio-Resource Management. After graduating she discovered real estate is the path she wanted to take. Currently, Cecilia is a Realtor® & property manager licensed in 2018 serving all 3 PEI counties with a strong desire to operate a knowledge-based business that puts her client’s needs & best interests first. Cecilia also is a part of the executive board of directors for Fusion Charlottetown as the Secretary and Director of Communications.
Although she is frequently busy, she enjoys taking time to enjoy nature. As a nature lover at heart, Cecilia has a passion for living sustainably and helping others understand the power of advocacy, and using her voice to create better communities. A lot of her free time is spent outdoors. Whether it is going to the beach, paddle boarding, hiking, or horseback riding she loves her time in nature.
Cecilia has a brief background in dance and gymnastics and is excited to get the opportunity to use those skills from high school. Cecilia is looking forward to being a part of Dancing with the Stars this year and is looking forward to helping fundraise for Hospice PEI.
Our youngest Star ever, 13-year-old Eric born in Halifax but now living in Charlottetown can’t wait to show off his Scottish and Lebanese heritage. Dad, Calvin MacPhail, and mom, Anne Zakem along with seven-year-old sister Estelle, step-siblings Hugh and Grace, and stepmom Marcia can’t wait to see his dance moves. Also, in his cheering section is his cat, Stevie.
He is currently a grade 8 French Immersion student at Queen Charlotte. Playing the clarinet, playing with his friends, and watching sports keep him busy. Now he gets to add dancing and fundraising to his busy schedule. Spending time with his family and friends is important to him. Eric is a pro at giving back to the community.
Last summer Eric and his mom, Anne, started a nacho business called Eric’s El Nachos “Keep Calm & Nacho On” in Charlottetown where Eric learned about entrepreneurial skills, saving money, and giving back. Anne states “As a survivor of breast cancer I wanted to teach Eric the importance of supporting others while on their cancer journey.” They chose Hospice PEI as the recipient of their tip jar savings.
Months after making the donation, Eric was approached to be part of this year’s Dancing with the Stars. He saw his mom’s boyfriend Brad participate last year as Elvis. “I am very appreciative that Hospice PEI has invited me to take part in the event this year.”
Marlene was born in Cape Breton and raised in Newfoundland. She is a true Atlantic Canadian as she now resides in PEI. Marlene grew up in a musical family and has always believed that music is a universal language. Marlene is the mother to three incredible children and a grandmother to two adorable grandchildren with more to come!
Marlene is a retired nurse with over 30 years of experience. She was privileged to work in the Hospice field in both BC and Ontario. With this experience, she is honoured to be a brand-new Hospice PEI volunteer who has completed her training and is already starting her volunteer journey. In her free time, Marlene loves to go swimming, go walking, bake some yummy treats, and dance. She believes that through music a person can share love and joy with others.
Marlene is very excited to be a part of the Dancing with the Stars event. An item on her bucket list is being checked off by performing on October 21st at the Delta Prince Edward. Not only is this a bucket list activity but a super fun birthday present for her upcoming 60th birthday! Marlene looks forward to learning from Reequal and performing for everyone come October time.
Crystal MacGregor is an innovator, registered dietitian, and lifelong learner, dedicated to inspiring healthy minds and nourishing bodies with over two decades of expertise, working throughout Canada in leadership roles. Crystal has become a trailblazer in the field of dietetics, making a profound impact across various sectors.
Crystal grew up in New London, PEI and attended UPEI where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Science with a Major in Nutrition. She completed her dietetic internship at UPEI as well. Despite living across Canada, Crystal is proud to call Prince Edward Island her home once again.
Currently, Crystal serves as the Director of Communications & Marketing at Food Island Partnership, where she passionately collaborates with others to promote Prince Edward Island as Canada’s Food Island. She finds joy in being part of a team that acts as a catalyst for economic growth in her home province. She is also the founder of Crystal MacGregor Consulting, where her entrepreneurial spirit shines through her work in empowering food businesses through product development, recipe creation, and media services. She also contributes her expertise as a member of Canada Beef’s Nutrition Expert Advisory Committee.
Crystal is a fan of “Dancing with the Stars” and is honored to be participating in the show to support Hospice PEI, a worthy cause close to her heart. She is determined to give it her best and hopes to make you proud.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
