More than 200 people showed their community spirit when they grooved to the rhythm of a two-hour Party in Pink Zumbathon fundraiser last Friday night.
“It was really cool to see that many people moving together,” said organizer Sarah Schleen, a zumba and zumatomic instructor.
The pink theme was used in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but for Schleen and many of those in attendance, there was a personal connection.
Dr. Nicole Petrov, mother of two and a family physician with the Upper Grand Health Team’s Elora office went public in September with her personal diagnosis of breast cancer.
“Nicole goes to my church and I saw the opportunity to host a Party in Pink event and have the ability to help her family, so why not do both to help?” said Schleen.
Petrov’s husband, Dr. Mark Easterbrook, attended the event on behalf of his wife, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy. A gift basket and flowers were presented to Easterbrook, who accepted the gift on his wife’s behalf.
The fundraising event included admission fees, donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Society, and raffle tickets, with prizes donated by over 20 local businesses who wanted to show their support for the cause and Dr. Petrov. Funds from the raffles were intended to go directly to Petrov’s family.
“It was amazing, the local support we received,” Schleen said. “People were so supportive of Nicole and all the raffle money went to her, but she wanted the funds to be donated to the Groves Foundation.”
She added, “The people were there for her and Mark … and a lot of people bought tickets who didn’t come just to show their support.
“We were able to raise over $2,750. Of that, $1,312 will be donated to breast cancer research and approximately $1,475 will be donated to the Groves Foundation,” Schleen said, admitting she was overwhelmed by the success of the fundraiser and is now considering making this an annual event.
“It was amazing, the energy level was so high in the room. It was really amazing to see so many people come together and having fun dancing together,” said Schleen.
