A Step Out of His Comfort Zone: CBU’s Ricky McCarthy is Dancing for a Cause

It’s often said that the best way to teach a child about courage is to lead by example. For Ricky McCarthy, who works in Cape Breton University’s Office of Alumni and Development as Development Officer of Major Gifts and Donor Relations, setting that example meant stepping far outside of his comfort zone and straight onto the dance floor.

Six weeks ago, Ricky received an unexpected phone call from Debbie Keating, Co-Chair of the Dancing With the Stars for Hospice committee. That call led to a meeting over coffee with Keating and former Dancing with the Stars for Hospice competitor Guy LaFosse, where Ricky was officially recruited to hit the dance floor for charity. Though he says he’s confident in his abilities, he also says that the confidence may be misplaced.

“I can dance when I’m in my house. So I’ve got confidence in my dance moves, even though I probably shouldn’t,” Ricky says. “I dance with my daughters all the time, but my dance moves are ridiculous and admittedly, a bit dated!” 

Despite having no formal training and his self-proclaimed dance experience being limited to family audiences, Ricky accepted the challenge. For the dance competition, Ricky is partnered with Sasha Young, a CBU student completing her Bachelor of Arts this year before entering the Bachelor of Education program. For Ricky, the primary motivation for participating is his two daughters, Madison and Vienna.

“I am at a point in my life where I’m trying really hard to show my daughters that you should push yourself outside your comfort zone. You should do things that make you a little nervous,” Ricky says. “Honestly, I spend so much time trying to make them laugh and trying to be goofy that I think I’ve lost that embarrassment factor.”

Beyond setting an example for his children, the cause itself holds deep meaning for Ricky. For those who aren’t familiar, Dancing with the Stars for Hospice pairs community members with professional dancers who compete and perform to raise money and win the People’s Choice Award. The public votes by donating and every dollar given counts as one direct vote for a specific dance pair. All funds raised support the Hospice Cape Breton residence and essential palliative care programs for families facing life-limiting illnesses. 

Drawing on his past fundraising experience with the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, Ricky understands the vital importance of the dignity and care that Hospice Cape Breton provides to families.

“I wanted to make sure I didn’t just fundraise and learn how to dance. I wanted to, first of all, help people understand what hospice is and does, learn a little bit more about it myself and hopefully allow people to be a little bit more comfortable talking about end of life care,” Ricky says. “To give families and their loved one, who is in the final chapter of their life, that comfort and dignity and care, that to me is one of the most important things you can give to somebody in their final days.” 

Adding to the pressure of the stage is the friendly expectations from within the University. Ricky says he’s already heard some tips from 2019 Dancing with the Stars for Hospice winner, CBU President and Vice-Chancellor, David Dingwall.

“I’ve got big shoes to fill, too. The last person really to represent CBU would have been David and he won,” says Ricky. “Having him here to run strategy through and get advice from is hugely beneficial.”

Dancing with the Stars for Hospice takes place on Friday, October 2, at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. The university community can support the campaign by donating through Canada Helps, where every dollar acts as a direct vote for Ricky and Sasha. Funds raised cover Hospice Cape Breton’s operational costs and expansion of essential programs.