STEPPING UP
Supporters take part in annual Zumbathon to raise funds for American Diabetes Association
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.>> A group of local supporters stepped to the beat this Sunday afternoon in an effort to raise funds for the American Diabetes Association.
The second annual Zumbathon Charity Event for the American Diabetes Association was held on Sunday at Saratoga Springs High School, drawing many participants who were ready to dance for a cause. About 10 area instructors led the large class in a two-hour Zumbathon. “It’s a party,” said event organizer Mayumi Kato, who likes to keep the event atmosphere energetic and fun.
Kato is a Zumba instructor at the Saratoga Regional YMCA and a cyclist in the Saratoga Springs Tour de Cure. She is a member of the Kivort Steel Cycling Team, which is the top fundraising team in New York State and one of the best in the nation as well.
Money raised at Sunday’s Zumbathon will help the Kivort Steel Cycling Team reach its fundraising goal of $125,000 this year at the upcoming Saratoga Springs Tour de Cure, to be held on June 4 at Saratoga Spa State Park.
More importantly, the funds will benefit the American Diabetes Association, aiding in its mis-
sion to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all those affected by diabetes.
Nicole DeCelle, market executive director of both Albany and Central New York for the American Diabetes Association, said at Sunday’s event that the organization is so thankful to Kato and all of the participants that chose to dance in the Zumbathon.
In her second year planning the event, Kato was glad to see so many attendees willing to partake in the fundraising effort, as well as the exercise.
Kato was also thrilled that people from beyond the Saratoga Springs community were present, including participants from Albany and even Vermont.
Clifton Park residents Nancy and Luis Hernandez came to the Zumbathon for their first time this year.
The couple practices Zumba regularly and decided to check out the event. Luis likes that they can do Zumba as a family, and that it’s not too difficult of a workout.
“It’s for a good cause,” Nancy said.
Last year’s inaugural Zumbathon Charity Event for the American Diabetes Association raised more than $2,200.
This year, Kato’s goal was to raise even more money for the fight to stop diabetes.
Kivort Steel Cycling Team underwrites the cost of the Zumbathon so that 100 percent of the funds raised can go to the cause.
For more information about the Saratoga Springs Tour de Cure on June 4, or to register, visit diabetes.org/saratoga or call (518) 218-1755.