BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Multiple sclerosis stops people from moving, but in defiant response, one Walk MS team is doing just the opposite.
The G Team, Good People, Doing Good Things is hosting its third annual Shakin’ for a Cause fundraiser for the 2013 Walk MS, presented by Travelers. Last year’s event raised $2,600.
The Zumba fundraising event takes place Sunday, Feb. 24, from 2 to 6 p.m. at 1691 Cafe/Lounge in Bridgeport.
“We are doing the Zumba event again because what better way to keep people moving than by moving to music,” said Cynthia Lucero, captain of the G Team and Trumbull resident. “We had a great response the last two years and are excited to have the opportunity to host it again. We are moving for those who can’t. We thank everyone for joining the MOVEment with us.”
|
CUTLINE: Trumbull resident Cynthia Lucero, left, poses with her husband, Eddie Gutierrez, and their son, Roberto. Lucero heads up the G Team; Good People, Doing Good Things. Cynthia established the Walk MS team after her husband was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007. The team will host the third annual Shakin’ for a Cause fundraiser Sunday, Feb. 24, from 2 to 6 p.m. at 1691 Cafe/Lounge in Bridgeport. The cost for the event is a $20 donation to G Team’s Walk MS fundraising efforts. Last year’s event raised $2,600. The G Team will also participate in the 2013 Walk MS, presented by Travelers, which will be held Sunday, April 21, 2013, at 12 sites across the state. Last year, the 48-member G Team, which walks at West Haven High School in West Haven, raised $6,802, exceeding their $5,000 goal. The Feb. 24 fundraising event is an example of Do It Yourself fundraising. For more information on DIY Fundraising, the Walk MS, to register for Walk MS or to donate to the G Team, visit www.ctfightsMS.org.
|
Zumba is a Latin-infused dance workout that has taken the fitness world by storm. After participants check in and warm up, they will participate in Zumba sessions with licensed area instructors Jackie Vasquez, Heatherly Law, Elisa Irizarry, Nina Merlonghi, Gabby Molina and Sarah Carrozza. Each instructor will lead 20 to 30 minute sets. At the end of the workout there will be refreshments and a drawing for prizes.
The cost for the event is a $20 donation to G Team’s Walk MS fundraising efforts, and includes the Zumba workout, refreshments and entry into the drawing. No experience is necessary; all are welcome.
But, according to Lucero, participants should be ready to sweat.
“If people don’t lose a pant size by the time they leave, they didn’t shake it enough!” joked Lucero. “All kidding aside, the great thing about Zumba is that it can be modified to fit any level. As long as you can move some part of your body you can do it. Last year we had a few people with MS join us and everyone was able to participate at their own pace.”
“We started the G Team in 2007 after my husband Eddie was diagnosed with MS, so this will mark our sixth year participating in Walk MS and we really want to make it an exciting year,” said Lucero. “Our goal each year is to have a good time, and the more the merrier. We hope to continue to have more people join us for years to come.”
Last year, the 48-member G Team, Good People, Doing Good Things walk team raised $6,802 in West Haven at West Haven High School, exceeding their $5,000 goal.
The 2013 Walk MS, presented by Travelers, will be held Sunday, April 21, 2013, at 12 sites across the state.
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents live with multiple sclerosis, a disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and there currently is no cure. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted. Funds raised ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to Connecticut residents affected by MS.
The Shakin’ for a Cause fundraiser is an example of Do It Yourself fundraising. The Connecticut Chapter receives numerous inquiries each year from individuals and organizations wishing to stage their own fundraising events to help in the fight against MS. These volunteer-coordinated events -called “Do It Yourself” events – are run by interested volunteers independently from the chapter, and can include golf tournaments, bake sales, wine tastings, casual dress days and more. To learn more or start your own Do It Yourself fundraising event, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org and click the “Do It Yourself fundraising” button.
For more information on the Shakin’ for a Cause fundraising event, contact Cynthia Lucero at 203-258-9821 or email cynthiamlucero@yahoo.com. To register in advance, go to 1691 Cafe/Lounge at 1691 Main Street in Bridgeport or call 203-908-3853.
To learn more about multiple sclerosis or to register for Walk MS, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org and click the “Walk MS” button.
2/6/13