Zumbathon To Raise Money For Emergency Food Network

They’re going to sweat for a cause.

Figures, a women’s fitness center in Fircrest, is hosting a Zumbathon on Saturday morning, with proceeds from the event going to the Emergency Food Network, which distributes more than 1 million pounds of food every month to the 67 food banks, meal sites and shelters under the organization’s umbrella.

“Figures is very passionate not only about fitness, but nutrition, too,” said marketing director Jill Overfield. “We were really impressed by the Emergency Food Network – the way they (stretch) the financial donations and grow their own food locally.”

Jeff Klein, Emergency Food Network’s development director, said that they appreciate when businesses are interested in hosting a fundraiser.

“We love it,” he said. “It brings in money and food for the cause.”

After all, he said, EFN is a “lean and mean operation” that operates on an annual budget of $2 million.

“We don’t have a staff person or 10 to go out and try to partner with businesses and do outreach. It’s super helpful for us when a business decides it wants to take on hunger as an issue.”

Overfield said they are anticipating up to 200 people from all over the community coming to dance between 10 a.m. and noon. Admission to the event, at 2079 Mildred Street West, is $20 and includes a healthy buffet afterward.

To make room for everyone, the event will be held next door at the 18,000-square-foot Wheelz Skate Arena.

Overfield said that she is anticipating a good turnout because Zumba, a Latin-inspired mix of dance and aerobics, has proven to be Figures’ most popular class.

“We are adding classes all the time,” she said. “It’s something our members have been requesting and have really enjoyed, so we’re going to put it all together for a fun Saturday.”

As of Friday, more than 80 people had RSVPed yes on the event’s Facebook page, and Overfield said instructors have been talking to their clients.

“We have people coming from all over Puget Sound,” she said.

Overfield said they have a food-collection bin at Figures for those wanting to bring a donation.

Klein said they are always in need of canned goods that are high in protein – soups, chili, vegetables – as well as baby formula and peanut butter.

“Peanut butter is a good one because it is expensive for us to buy and it’s easy for kids,” he said, noting that nearly 40 percent of those EFN serves are under 18. “It’s just expensive and it doesn’t get donated a lot.”

However, Klein said, the most beneficial contribution is money. EFN can purchase $12 worth of food for every dollar it receives.

“Fund drives are actually better than food drives for getting the food into the community,” he said. “We get great deals – we can buy 12 cans of something that you can buy one or two of in the store.”

Overfield said they have worked with local charities in the past including the Tacoma Rescue Mission, but that this is their first Zumbathon.

There will be raffles between 15-20 minute dance sets run by different instructors, giveaways and other prizes.

Participants who register on Saturday should arrive about 10-15 minutes early, Overfield said.

“That way, when the music starts, they’re ready to dance.”