A fun, fitness Zumbathon fundraiser

A local business that seeks to help their patrons become fit and retain that healthy outlook will participate in a national “For the Cure” fundraiser to battle breast cancer.

Cedarhurst-based Club Central, owned by the Roberts brothers, Eric and Skye, for the past 14 years, is set to host a “Party In Pink” Zumbathon to benefit the Dallas-based Susan G. Komen Foundation that raises money for education and to support the fight against breast cancer.

A two-hour Zumba class conducted by Rachel SanMarco featuring traditional Zumba and mixing in a few Zumba Tone songs will be held on Sunday, Oct. 3 from noon to 2 p.m.

“This event will allow people that have been affected by the disease to come join forces with me,” said SanMarco, who has had family members that died from cancer. “This is inspiring and motivational to all.”

SanMarco teaches Zumba and Zumba Tone at Club Central and these classes are very popular and her Saturday night classes which begin after sundown are packed, according to Eric Roberts.

Zumba — exercise to mesmerizing Latin rhythms that favors easy-to-follow moves — appears to be a worldwide phenomenon with it being taught to 7.5 million people in more than 60,000 locations in 105 countries as of May, according to information on Zumba.com.

Back in January, Club Central raised more than $35,000 for Emunah of America, an organization that since 1935 has helped support a wide range of programs in Israel by providing vital social services and educational services to children and families.

Like, SanMarco, the Roberts brothers have had family and friends either die from or suffer from breast cancer, and the three are glad to be contributing to a worthy cause.

“This is an ongoing battle for women that needs to end,” said Eric Roberts, who noted the impact that this type of event can have.

The Roberts’ health club primarily caters to women, offering a women’s only gym that is always open and boasts cardio and strength training equipment. There are also more than 35 aerobic women-only classes and a co-ed floor that features men-only workout hours.

The minimum donation is $25 to take the two-hour fundraising class. Donations are still welcome even if you don’t want to to participate in the class. One-Hundred percent of the donations benefit the Komen Foundation and is tax deductible, Roberts noted.

All checks should be payable to Rachel SanMarco with “Party in Pink” indicated on the memo line. Checks can be mailed to Club Central, 126 Spruce St., Cedarhurst, NY 11516.