You may remember my friend Darbie. I first blogged about her in the “Darbi-nator” because I thought it was pretty fantastic that she followed her Zumba dreams, found classes, became an instructor, and now teaches her students (most of whom are high-risk high school students) how to Zumba. (She’s also dropped a ton of weight in the process and has the coveted healthy glow about her.)

Last weekend she inspired me once again. She teamed up with locals Jennifer Uhles and her husband who are working on a grant to help high-risk kids in Tehama County and wanted to earn some money for their kids. They needed some counseling funds and the Zumbathon idea was born.

Space was donated, gift baskets were donated, tickets were sold, 17 local Zumba instructors from Shasta and Tehama County donated their time and routines, local camera shop owner took pictures for next year’s promotion, and a party erupted on a rainy, December afternoon. The feeling of everybody pitching in their time, energy, money, and attention to this cause made this feel like what Christmas should be.

There were kids from 13 to adults in their 70s. Latin-vibe music pounded non-stop for 3 1/2 hours. (Heaven!) Raffle tickets were sold and gift baskets raffled offs. So much fun! I even won a basket with two Mt. Shasta Ski Park lift passes, perfect for my husband and youngest son to get ready for this ski season. It’s going to be a good one!

Need money for your organization? Get out there and dance! Everybody wins.