Kat Thaden
The Paw Print
On Thursday, November 7th, ASU Casa joined forces with Tu Casa, Inc. and the SLV Zumba Instructors for their 2nd Annual Zumbathon Fundraiser in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness .The event took place at the ASU Rex Gym from 5:30-8:00 PM and included two hours of Zumba fitness, a donation’s table, and gift raffle. The event itself rose over $300, and collected a large array of in-kind donations, which will help provide gift packages to Tu Casa clients and families. Many of the Valley Zumba Instructors rallied together in support of the event, including Courtney Espinoza of Monte Vista, Phyllis Vigil from Ft. Garland, Melanie Shawcroft of La Jara, Oneyda Maestas and Katrina Thaden from Alamosa.
Zumba Fitness is an aerobic dance fitness system, founded in 2001 by Columbian instructor Beto Perez. Its popularity has exploded across the U.S. and worldwide, with classes now offered in over 185 countries and with an estimated 14 million participants nationwide. Its corporate success has made it no less celebrated by its participants and instructors, who have found it a positive outlet to learn basic dance moves, gain confidence and leadership skills, and get (gasp) ‘exercise’ in a fun way that feels less like a work out and more like a party. “I am grateful for the opportunities Zumba Fitness has provided to give back to the community,” Katrina Thaden (Alamosa Instructor.)
Charity events, called Zumbathons, have become a significant aspect of the Zumba Fitness culture and a way to fundraise for local non-profits, schools, or causes. Tu Casa, Inc. was the chosen recipient of the charity event because of their diligent work in domestic violence education and advocacy, their important work empowering women and children to live healthy lives free of violence. Tu Casa, Inc. provides a number of free services to their clients, including advocacy and a 24-hour hotline.
The event concluded with a gift raffle, which included certificates and in-kind donations from local sponsors in the San Luis Valley. Special thanks to all event sponsors, including: ASU Rex Gym, ASU Casa, Body Tune-Up, Calvillo’s Restaurant, Smoothy’s Juice Bar, All Gon Pizza, Lenore’s Speltlicious Cookies, Massage Therapist’s Jackie Cunningham and Jose Orozco, ASU Diversity Multicultural Club, and those many individuals who offered financial donations, refreshments, and snacks for the event.
Thanks again to all who attended, donated, or participated in this event. Finally, if you or someone you know has been assaulted or in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, please reach out. Talk to a trusted friend or family member and take advantage of these resources available both through the ASU Campus and in the SLV: Tu Casa 24-Hour Hotline: 719-589-2465 Adams State University Counseling Center (Gregg Elliott or Laurel Carter): 719-587-7746
“We can do no great things; only small things with great love.”
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