Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club Manager Jodie Faralla has proven that sometimes the biggest wins come from stepping outside your comfort zone, raising an impressive $23,516 for the Ballarat Foundation through the weekend’s Dancing With Our Stars charity event.

Faralla was among a group of 10 local personalities who took to the dancefloor in support of the Ballarat Foundation, an organisation dedicated to inspiring positive social change and supporting those most in need across the region.

“I saw the opportunity last year with the Ballarat Foundation and I thought, that’s something that would be way outside of my comfort zone but that I could do,” Faralla said.

Faralla committed to 10 weeks of preparation, training up to four times a week with dance partner Mark to master the tango ahead of the big night.

“It is a great way to showcase the generosity of the greyhound industry, especially in the Ballarat region. We are community focused at Ballarat, and I am proud to put that on show,” she said.

“It is heartwarming how everyone has supported me and this cause.”

Faralla credited the Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club team and the broader industry for rallying behind her fundraising efforts.

“The Club committee were very supportive.  Not only did they contribute a $2,000 donation, but they also bought a table at the final dance which we used as a team building exercise,” she said.

“It was fantastic to have many of my staff come along because they were also a big part of the journey.”

Support also extended beyond the club, Awesome Lodge and Greyhound Racing Victoria played a key role in helping Faralla exceed her fundraising goal.

The funds raised will directly support programs delivered by the Ballarat Foundation, ensuring assistance remains within the local community.

“The work that the Ballarat Foundation is fundamental, looking after the people who really need the most support,” Faralla said.

For Faralla, the experience was about more than just fundraising – it was also a personal statement about embracing new challenges.

“I’m living by my new philosophy of ‘just say yes’,” she said.

“Saying yes to something far outside my comfort zone like Dancing With Our Stars is a big step, but I want my sons to see that taking chances can lead to amazing opportunities.”

Faralla said the support from the greyhound community was overwhelming and reaffirmed her pride in the industry.

“Thank you to everybody because the generosity of the greyhound people came through again and I am so proud.”