LIHUE — Zumba instructor Sandie Ishii and a group of other Zumba teachers have a dream of glowing pink in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“This year’s Zumbathon is an opportunity to rally our community to raise funds for the American Cancer Society,” Ishii said. “I am a cancer survivor. I want to do something to help in the fight against cancer and have enlisted help from my co-hosts, Leslie Simmons and Brandon Allianic, to organize this event. We will have instructors from across the island of Kauai joining us.”
The Zumba Glow Party is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Kauai Veterans Center in Lihue.
Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.
Zumba, a popular dance-fitness program, partners with the Susan G. Komen Foundation in presenting Zumba classes for a cause.
“We did a Zumbathon last year,” Ishii said. “We want our efforts to make a difference. It took a lot of work, but we finally were approved to be able to work with Patti Ornellas of the American Cancer Society where the funds we generate from the Zumba Glow Party will stay in Hawaii to help people, here.”
Ishii said to create an even bigger impact, her group of instructors that include A Keone (Allan) Villaflor, Gloria Acain, Kawehi Anama, Kay Mones, Stacie Cantu, Joanie Morita, Gina Lee, Kimberly Miller Lenz, Ann Wooton, Jo Bantayao Johnson, Debbie Lankford, Janeen Harty, Anna Velasco, and Brayden Santiago are accepting prizes and donations.
“This includes vendors interested in participating and also food trucks,” Ishii said. “Zumba enthusiasts arrive early and can purchase workout gear, indulge in baked goods, and have ample time to shop with vendors as well as check out the prizes available.”
Admission is available for $10 pre-sale, or $15 at the door with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society and are available through Ishii, or any of the participating Zumba instructors.
Information on donating, or participating as a vendor (including food trucks), call Ishii at 652-1647.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
