(Sacramento, CA) – On Saturday, Dec. 8, Mather Sports Center co-hosted a Zumbathon with instructors Annalisa Brown and Gerardo Martinez dedicated to the Camp Fire victims. Gathering over 100 people, the Zumbathon raised almost 4,000 dollars for the devastated families of Paradise, CA.
The deadliest California fire to date, the Camp Fire destroyed almost 20,000 structures and covered over 150,000 acres, including the town of Paradise. Zumba professional Annalisa Brown grew up in the town of Paradise and hoped to raise money for the families who lost everything in the fires. “We can’t resurrect the places where people made childhood memories, so I just wanted to help the families feel comfortable again. It was in my heart to provide the little things we take for granted, like tooth brushes or diapers, for these families,” Brown said.
To make this fundraiser a reality, Annalisa contacted her long-time Zumba partner and friend, Gerardo Martinez. Gerardo, the local Zumba instructor at Mather Sports Center, connected with Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) to work out event space details and was met with a surprise. “I knew space for an event like this normally has to be rented out, so when Cordova donated the space and time to our cause, it just showed us how much they care about the community and doing what is right,” Martinez said.
When attendee Gloria Duffy from Elk Grove learned of CRPD’s donation, she was touched. “I think the generosity of Cordova inspires the community to put on even more fundraisers, knowing we have their support is so important when putting on events like these,” Duffy said.
“When Gerardo asked to rent space for the event, I knew we could do more for him and the community. This tragedy impacted so many people, and I wanted to provide any resources possible for their cause. I love our team here at CRPD because leadership did not hesitate to donate the space,” Nina Sinor, Recreation Supervisor at the Mather Sports Center, said.
“I am thankful for my relationship with Cordova and their tremendous support. With it, we were able to raise thousands of dollars for these families and I know CRPD will have my back for future fundraisers,” Martinez said.
Brown, Martinez and Duffy encourage anyone who is looking to leave their stressors on the dance floor, or simply hoping to find the fun in fitness, to try Zumba and join their community. Visit www.crpd.com for more information about Gerardo’s and other Zumba classes offered by CRPD.
About CRPD: Cordova Recreation & Park District is one of the largest independent special districts in Northern California serving over 120,000 residents and four school districts in the greater Sacramento area. CRPD provides over 40 parks and recreational facilities, as well as athletic camps, enrichment classes, educational programs and special events for the community.
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