Moscow community members can participate in the Zumbathon — a fun event in support of a serious cause, Lou Genrig’s disease — Peg Hamlett said.
Proceeds from the third annual Zumbathon will go toward research for Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), a progressive motor neuron disease that takes away the ability of movement, but leaves mental function intact.
“One of the things Zumbathon is really about, is to celebrate that we are trying to find a cure and celebrate people’s lives that have it, as opposed to being quite as negative,” said Hamlett, fitness and wellness director of the University of Idaho Student Recreation Center. “Let’s be aware of what the disease is.”
Dancing will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 Friday at the SRC. The cost to enter is a minimum $5 donation. Tickets will be sold starting at noon Friday in the wellness office. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
Seventy-five percent of ticket sales will go toward the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Augie’s Quest to cure ALS.
Hamlett said Augie Nieto was physically active and sports were a big part of his life. She said when he was diagnosed with ALS, he wanted to become vocal and promote awareness while trying to find a cure.
MDA is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for muscular dystrophy and also providing health care, support services and education for anybody with this disease, according to its website.
Six instructors will take turns leading the group — Jaime Gallup, Jenny Leavitt, Lizette Fife, Jessy Buster, Michelle Leachman and Mindy Rice.
Participants can dress up to represent a specific era, or a favorite celebrity for the event’s costume contest.
“This isn’t required but try to wear lots of colors,” Hamlett said. “Have fun with it.”
Hamlett said DJ Uniq’s presence will make the party.
“He has been DJ for the last two Zumbathons,” said Jaime Gallup, instructor and co-coordinator. “Having that live DJ there is just so much fun.”
The first Zumbathon raised money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, which supports breast cancer research and awareness. The second supported “Go Red for Women” fighting heart disease. Jenny Leavitt, grad assistant and co-coordinator, had a class with Gallup, so they decided to lead it together, Gallup said.
Hamlett said participants should bring water and comfortable shoes to get a great workout.