Zumba Party Benefits Shelter Animals

With the large number of animals housed in shelters and the small funds on which to support these animals, it's a daily struggle to provide every animal with the proper care that it needs to survive, according toRedlands Friends of Shelter Animals (REDFOSA) ally Marie Ynami. Ynami's Zumba studio (Studio Ynami) recently partnered together with REDFOSA for two reasons: to raise awareness of the overcrowding of animal shelters in the area; and to raise funds to help shelter employees provide these animals with the type of care and love necessary for a healthy life. Ynami was introduced to the idea after a Zumba student who is also a REDFOSA employee, pitched the idea to use her Zumba studio to help a larger cause. The end result was the "Zumba Party to Benefit Animals," which ran Dec. 14 at the Zumba studio in Redlands. Donations were received by the dozens, with those making a $10 or more donation also being entered into a raffle drawing. Agness Ferrara was a contributor that day and is also a REDFOSA employee. “It's important to raise money for the animal shelter because it gives animals the medicine that they need, better equipment for the workers, and comfortable beds for the animals,” Ferrara said. "I’m so glad we are having this fundraiser. The shelter really needs it." To start the class, Ynami introduced herself and readied the others to begin. As the music began, she started out slow to get the muscles warmed up. As each song played, her movements got progressively faster and the class followed. She kept up with words of encouragement. “Come on ladies, work those hips for the animals at the shelter," she said. "You can do it.” Between 30 minute sessions, Ynami chose winners for the raffles. Winners walked away with prizes ranging from gift cards to hair care products and more. When the class was over, a round of applause roared through the studio. Robin Gosney, a Zumba dancer that evening, said, “I’ve never tried Zumba before and have always wanted to try it. I am so glad that I got the chance. It was for a good cause.” Ynami felt the event was a success — getting people out to support a cause close to her heart, she said. [END] Zumba Party to Benefit Animals Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 Redlands Zumba - Studio Ynami 330 N. Sixth St., Suite 101 Redlands, CA 2 - 3 p.m. PR: Redlands Friends of Animal Shelters, or REDFOSA, in partnership with Redlands Zumba — Studio Ynami, is hosting a Zumba party fundraising event 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Participants will learn a fun way to exercise while helping out the Redlands Animal Shelter. Routines will be led by licensed instructor Marie Ynami. Admission is $10 per person. This covers the entry fee includes an entry into an opportunity drawing. Tickets may be purchased at the Redlands Animal Shelter, 504 N. Kansas St., Redlands, or online at www.zumba2013.eventbrite.com. The fundraiser will be held at Redlands Zumba — Studio Ynami, located at 330 N. Sixth St., Suite 101, Redlands. ORIGINAL ARTICLE: With the outrageous number of animals in animal shelters and a lack of money to support all of them, it is a daily struggle to provide every animal with the proper care that it needs to survive. Marie Ynami explained how she enjoys taking part in raising money for causes such as this, so one of her students, Shree, recommended using her Zumba classes to raise money for the organization that she works for, REDFOSA. In the effort to raise money for REDFOSA, the Redlands Friends of Shelter Animals, Studio Ynami teamed up with REDFOSA to have a “Zumba party to benefit animals.” Both groups wasted no time in advertising their fundraiser for the animal shelter. Marie’s Zumba benefit was a huge success. There were many people willing to donate their money for such a good cause. To make things more interesting, those who made their ten dollar donation to REDFOSA would be entered in a raffle to win different prizes. Although some people weren’t able to participate in the Zumba class, they still managed to show their support and donate money. Besides, with all of the donations that were collected, it would’ve been nearly impossible to fit everyone in the studio. Before the dance instruction officially started, many people were excited that they were doing Zumba as well as making donations to the animal shelter. “It is important to raise money for the animal shelter because it gives animals the medicine that they need, better equipment for the workers, and comfortable beds for the animals. I’m so glad we are having this fundraiser. The shelter really needs it,” explained Agnes Ferrara, a contributor and worker at REDFOSA. Workers of REDFOSA were very appreciative of everyone’s contribution to the event. To start the class Marie gave a quick, yet warm, introduction of herself and the class. Her energetic voice got the class pumped up and ready to dance. As the music began, she started out slow to get the muscles warmed up. As each song played, her movements got progressively faster. She knew that everyone was not a Zumba expert, so she always made sure to give everyone words of wisdom and little reminders of why they were there. “Come on ladies, work those hips for the animals at the shelter! You can do it!” she would exclaim through the music. She and the rest of the people in the studio were very supportive of each other as they grooved and glided through the studio. After dancing for approximately 30 minutes, the class took a five minute break. During the break, Shree and Marie picked the names of the people who won a gift in the raffle. There were many different prizes ranging from gift cards to extravagant sets of hair care products. Most of the gifts were unisex to ensure that both men and women could enjoy their gift without having to give it away. The raffle lasted as long as the five minute break would allow it. After that is was back to dancing and more fun. When the Zumba class was officially over, there was a round of applause for all of the people who participated in the fundraiser. Robin Gosney, one of the Zumba dancers, said, “I’ve never tried Zumba before and have always wanted to try it. I am so glad that I got the chance. It was for a good cause and I needed the exercise.” According to Marie, the animal shelter fundraiser was a success and everyone had a good time. Everyone left with a smile on their face and sweat on their shirt.