Zumba for Haiti

The Economics Club, led by President Manny Angelopaulos, joined with ESU senior and Zumba instructor, Samantha Mostaccio, to raise money for Haiti relief. The “Zumba for Haiti” fundraiser was held on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 8:00 p.m. in the ESU Recreation Center.

 

Admission tickets were $3.00 for students and $5.00 for Faculty/Staff and the general public.

All proceeds and donations will go to the UNICEF Foundation to provide relief to Haiti. Over 120 ESU students attended the “Zumba for Haiti” fundraiser, and the Economics Club has raised over $511.90.

“We are thankful for the Recreation Center for allowing us to use the facilities and open up the gym for an amazing event like this. Doreen Tobin and John Robinson are extremely supportive, along with Sue Prutzman for contributing with supplying water bottles and Bob Smith for the use of the E-Card machine,” stated Angelopaulos.

Zumba is a fusion of Latin and International music that creates a ‘fitness party,’ which incorporates dance, aerobics, belly dancing and toning. It consists of a one-hour class where you dance around the world to Latin and International songs and rhythms. Mostaccio has been a Zumba instructor for the ESU Recreation Center for the past year and a half. Mostaccio had aspirations to hold a fundraiser and raise money for Ghana, but when the horrific tragedy of Haiti occurred, she geared her fundraising aspirations towards Haiti. She and the Economics Club collaborated to sponsor “Zumba for Haiti,” in which ‘Zumba’ has become one of her passions.

“Zumba has changed my life. It is inspiring and has given me the confidence to help lift my head and keep me motivated to challenge myself. It is a great way to help lose weight and feel good while having fun,” says Mostaccio.

She owes all of her dedication and hard work to her Zumba mentor, Tanya Beardsley, who has shown her confidence and the ability to believe in herself.

Joseph Samohod, a current ESU student, takes Mostaccio’s class weekly. “Zumba is the most amazing, mind-clearing experience that takes away all of your daily stress from your personal life,” states Samohod.

He also says, “Sam is the most expressive and influential instructor I have ever encountered, and she can truly make a difference in someone’s life.”

Any additional donations to the Economics Department, located on 420 Normal Street, will be accepted. You can also drop into one of their weekly meetings held on Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. in Stroud, Room 410.