Washington Zumbathon Raises $5K
for Ill Student
The Jack Abrams School gymnasium came to life last Friday night as a crowd of several hundred rallied to the cause of an ill Washington Primary School fourth grader battling brain cancer.
The group, which included a large contingent of Huntington High School student leaders, raised more than $5,200 to help the stricken youngster's family meet its medical and living expenses. Zumba for a Cause was organized by Washington social worker Linda Kohan, who was thrilled with the turnout and the success of the event.
"It was really a great night," Ms. Kohan said. "The turnout was fantastic and the enthusiasm displayed by everyone was incredible. The kids from the high school student government were really into it."
Rows of parents, students, teachers and aides fanned out across the Jack Abrams School gym for two hours of exercise to pulsating music. Ms. Kohan led many of the segments. "Zumba Fitness is the only Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends red-hot international music, created by Grammy Award-winning producers, and contagious steps to form a 'fitness party' that is downright addictive," according to the Zumba website.
Dance party participants donated $10 each. Numerous raffles baskets were raffled off and tropical smoothies were sold to generate additional proceeds. Special bracelets identifying wearers as aiding the cause were also available.
"The Zumbathon was great," said Washington Principal Marsha Neville, who pitched in to help in the school lobby where participants registered and where the raffle baskets were displayed. "A huge thank you goes to Linda Kohan for an outstanding job! I was so proud to be a member of our Washington family!"
Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky stopped by twice over the course of the two-hour event. Anthony Troffa, co-faculty advisor of the Huntington High School student government, which helped sponsor the evening, was also on hand.
"The whole event came together nicely and it certainly appeared as if everyone had a great time," Ms. Kohan said. Participants left drenched in perspiration after the fast-paced workout.
Folks who still want to assist the cause can contact Ms. Kohan at (631) 673-2095 or lkohan@hufsd.edu.