Seventh Annual Zumbathon Is Coming To The Community Center

By Maya Pottiger

Get ready to dance — the seventh annual St. Jude’s Zumbathon is March 16. The zumbathon consists of two hours of nonstop dancing and a variety of entertainment: raffles, door prizes, children’s performances and, new this year, a silent auction.

“We’re going to do more with silent auction,” said event organizer Natalie Haskell. “We’ll start the bid around $25 and go in increments of $5 or $10 for the silent auction.”

Some of the silent auction prizes include $1,000 off braces or Invisalign from Dr. Spivak Orthodontics; a three-month gym membership to The Y in Arnold; and various spa and wine baskets from businesses around Severna Park.

The silent auction will be ongoing throughout the event.

A children’s group from The Y in Arnold will begin the event by performing two songs, one in Spanish and one in English.

Following the children’s performances, people will have about 30 minutes to visit the vendors and silent auction while Haskell introduces the guest instructors for the event: Sherri Jolly, Corey Alston and Beni Davis.

This year’s theme is “Mardi Gras,” so beads and masks will be on sale for $1.50. Along with the theme, everyone is encouraged to wear purple to the event.

Haskell pays for all expenses — the DJ, venue, T-shirts, any cost — out of her own pocket so that all proceeds from the event can be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Last year, Haskell’s goal was $20,000, and she raised more than $23,000. This year, her fundraising goal is $25,000.

Over the past six events, Haskell has raised more than $65,000 for the hospital.
The Zumbathon is on Saturday, March 16, at the Severna Park Community Center. It runs from 1:30pm-3:30pm, but people can start arriving at 1:00pm.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. A “ticket” can also be a direct donation to the fundraiser. Find this event at www.fundraising.stjude.org, make your donation and print a receipt to show at the door. The link to the specific event can be found on the “MD 7th Annual St. Jude Zumbathon” event page on Facebook.