Weekend Zumbathon Raises $1,400 for Fight Against Cancer

The second annual Party in Pink Zumbathon for breast cancer awareness raised $1,400 and nearly 100 community members participated to make it a success.  From 9am-Noon on Saturday, Oct. 15, the dance-fitness charity event took place at Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City.  
The “Party in Pink” was coordinated by local Zumba instructor Jennifer Nesbitt and featured area instructors Stella Thompson and Ashley Adams.  Fun and educational breast cancer awareness-themed games were played throughout the event.  

“We had a great turn out and had so much fun,” said Nesbitt.  “I am so glad that we had the opportunity to join in the fight with Susan G. Komen to end breast cancer forever!”

Participants were encouraged to wear pink and proceeds from the event will support Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in the fight to end breast cancer.  Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s promise is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.

A representative from the local Susan G. Komen chapter and breast cancer survivors spoke to participants, sharing their personal stories and encouraging self examinations and annual doctor exams as part of breast cancer awareness and early detection.

“My niece died 7 years ago at the age of 26 from breast cancer; I became heavily involved because she left two small children,” said Marilyn Rech, volunteer representative for the Northwest Louisiana affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  “An estimated 260,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and our community is working hard to raise awareness for this disease. We so appreciate Zumba by Jennifer for doing this wonderful community event today.”

Numerous local businesses supported the charity event by donating raffle prizes, event supplies, and services, including:  Argent Financial Group; Community Trust Bank, Airline Drive location; Heather DeLoach at Tru Colors Salon; Hillary Denman at Lookers Salon; GlamRus in Bossier City; Asbury United Methodist Church; Williams Creative Group; and Zumba by Jennifer.

“When Jennifer started the Zumbathon fundraiser for Susan G. Komen last year, we had such a great time that I said I wanted to be more involved this year,” said Nancy Nelson, a financial advisor at Argent Financial Group. “So this year I organized a sponsorship with Community Trust Bank and Argent Financial Group to supply water for all of the participants and prize giveaways for the contests and games.  We had a really great time and it was for such a great cause.”

Zumba, the international dance-fitness craze that combines great music with high-energy, easy-to-follow routines, has become increasingly popular in the area.

Participants are all ages, fitness levels, shapes and sizes.  Classes take place throughout the week; for a complete schedule, visit www.zumbabyjennifer.com.