Tickets are on sale for the annual Love Makes the World Go Round Zumbathon Charity Event to benefit Make-A-Wish Western New York! The event will take place March 12 at Tonawanda Castle and in honor of the celebration, we thought we would ask local Zumba celeb Marisa Stani what this amazing event means to her.
How many years have you been hosting the Make-a-Wish Zumbathon and why was it so important for you to start?
Six years ago, my mom and I turned our passion into a business- we became licensed Zumba instructors. We instantly became very successful, having the highest class participation in the entire Western New York area. It was then we realized, together, we can make a difference in the community. Our first year to host a Zumbathon Charity Event for Make-A-Wish WNY was in 2014. We have hosted multiple Zumbathons in the past for American Heart Association, Roswell Park, and Susan G. Komen. Each year we hosted an event, we tried to pick a different charity to donate to, but our heart keeps pulling us back to Make-A-Wish. This will be our fourth year hosting this event to benefit their charity. We want to share our energy and love to help people, and we know that our positive energy will inspire others to do the same.
Why do you think the event has been such a success?
The first year we had our Make-A-Wish Zumbathon, we were blown away!! We set our highest goal ever of $7,500 and doubled it, granting two wishes for local children! When people hear about how much a wish can impact a child’s life, and how they can help make a difference, they are motivated and excited to help! One hundred percent of the event proceeds will go toward the foundation. My mom and I create a fun way to get in shape with friends, while raising proceeds for people in need! When we submit our totals to the foundation, we receive our wishes and see exactly where our money was donated to. This is so rewarding to know our money goes directly to a local child and we can go through their journey not only with a monetary donation, but spiritually.
What have you and your mother learned about the foundation since you started the event?
Along with the amazing friendships we’ve created along the way, we’ve learned so much about Make-A-Wish. We know that our donation helps a child in our region. After our donation is in, we see their story, their wish, and how our donation brings hope into their lives. This foundation donates one of the largest percentage in WNY to the cause.
Make-a-Wish children often attend your event and enjoy it very much. What do you think of these amazingly brave children?
One of the biggest highlights of our event is having the wish children attend. We LOVE to have as many families and children come to feel the energy and dance along with us! This event is all about them! We love to see the power of a wish and the impact wishes have. We admire their braveness to overcome any medical condition they have to have fun, let go, and enjoy our event. To see the joy they receive from our music and dancing, is far more rewarding than any gift we could receive.
Tickets for the Love Makes the World Go Round Zumbathon Charity Event to benefit Make-A-Wish Western New York are $15 presale and $20 the day of (if it doesn’t sell out) and can be purchased at https://www.zumba.com/en-US/event/view/love-makes-the-world-go-round-zumbathon-charity-event. There will also be a huge basket raffle, a lottery tree, and a 50/50.
