TNT Fundraiser Spotlight: Zumbathon!

One of the biggest challenges for our alumni is discovering new and creative methods to achieve their fundraising goals. Many alumni come back season after season, thrilled for new races and another chance to make a different for blood cancer patients everywhere. However, there are only so many emails you can send your family and friends before they start pretending they don't know you...just kidding! But very often, year-round fundraisers exhaust their network of donors and need to switch over to a new route to their fundraising goal: EVENTS!

{Zumba for a cure!}

I recently had the pleasure of attending a fundraiser put on by two of our Disney World Half Marathon participants, Linda and Nikki Fagundes. This mother-daughter fundraising powerhouse has been faced with the task of raising $7,000 in four months for LLS while training for a half marathon! As a TNT alumni, Linda knew she'd have to get creative with her fundraising efforts this time around to achieve and exceed their goal! The two have already put on several successful fundraisers this season, their most successful being a Zumbathon that was held last Wednesday. Linda utilized her friend's talents as a Zumba instructor to pull together a Zumbathon which brought in just over $1,000 for LLS! For two hours at $10 a person, we sweat out the work day through contemporary dance moves set to some pretty jazzy tunes! There were also dozens of door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and food and beverages donated to the event, making this an exceptional fundraiser for all who attended. 

{Me with Nikki and Linda Fagundes, fundraising rockstars!}

The highlight of the fundraiser was the deep connection to the mission of LLS. Halfway through the evening, all dancing was stopped and a beautiful speech was made emphasizing the lifesaving cancer research and patient services that would benefit from the fundraiser. Also, the Zumbathon was held at a studio in Cumberland, RI, the town in which this season's honored patient, Maya Spadano, resides with her family. A round of applause completed the tribute to Maya and all those affected by blood cancer, and the music came back on to a room of inspired dancers. So get out there and use your creativity, you can accomplish amazing feats! In just one night, Linda and Nikki raised $1,104 while helping spread the mission of LLS to fellow Rhode Islanders! GO TEAM!