Spreading the wedding joy at Kawana Island
Since joining Living Choice nine years ago, Benita Cheatley, much-loved Administration Officer at Living Choice Kawana Island, has always treated residents as members of her extended family.
From 2017 to 2020, she shared the ups and downs of her protracted cancer journey via updates in the weekly Village Communique, signing off in typical Benita fashion as “The World’s Best Receptionist!”.
When she met the new love of her life, Alan Slade, she wasted no time in introducing him to the residents at happy hours and other village events. Thankfully, he got a big tick of approval!
In March 2021, she and Alan enjoyed a short holiday in Port Douglas and when they returned, she was delighted to announce to the residents that Alan had proposed - and she had accepted. Not surprisingly, the residents were over the moon.
Benita and Alan held a small wedding for family and close friends in the park at Double Bay on Friday 4th February, but Benita was determined to share her happiness with the residents too. A few weeks after their honeymoon, they invited all residents to the leisure centre for champagne and pizza. Fittingly, they dressed up in their wedding finery and Benita looked stunning! Two of Benita’s four daughters, Natasha and Samantha, were able to attend too.
Adding to the festivities were the toe-tapping songs played by Sandy Lindsay and Gavin Walker of D2R Entertainment, the same musicians that played at their wedding. Benita and Alan first heard the talented musicians while on a date in Mooloolaba. They were drinking Affogato (minus the ice-cream and coffee) and immediately decided they would hire them to play at their wedding one day.
At the village celebration, Benita and Alan took to the dance floor for a “wedding waltz” and they were soon joined by many residents. Later, they were all back on the dance floor, including the line dancing group, keen to prolong the party.
Congratulations, Benita and Alan Slade – and thank you for sharing your joy with the Living Choice family.
