Zumbathon

What a wonderful event held yesterday for Chris and Deanna's scholarship funds.  How do I go about thanking everyone involved in the making of such a magnificent day?  I fear I'll leave someone out and I wouldn’t want that to happen!  I continue to be dumbfounded by the pure generosity of our community at these events. 

I know people choose to get involved for many reasons, some do because they've been thru a tragic time and know first-hand how it feels.  They like to lend a helping hand just as someone once did for them.  Others just have that kind hearted nature and jump in to assist because it's who they are.  To our 518 community, I say THANK YOU!  Regardless of why you opt to assist, please know that it has meaning far beyond what you might think.  You say it's no big deal but I'll tell you it's a HUGE deal.  The impact ripples on.

I met many new friends today - Zumba teachers, vendors and many of you who introduced yourselves to me.  It was my pleasure to shake your (firm) hands and give you hugs.  I appreciate getting to know you and I get the biggest kick out of it when you tell me you love to read my blog.  Truly?  I love to read your replies as much as you enjoy my words.  I'm getting better at spending some time in the evening (before I start a new blog) seeing what you have to say.  It's cyclical you know, we help each other.  I can't wait to hear from you.

For those that I have known long before today’s event I want to thank you for coming out in support of Chris and Deanna.  How kind to spend your Saturday with us.  As I know you personally, I'm aware of your family obligations and I'm aware there are a hundred other things to do and you chose to attend, very thoughtful.  I hope you had fun, I know I did.

When I walked in to Orenda Elementary Saturday afternoon I couldn't believe the crowd. Over 300 people were in attendance! The parking lot was overflowing across the street to the middle school and the funny thing about it was that my initial thoughts upon pulling up were "wow, there must be a bunch of things going on here today"... I was definitely not of the mindset that everyone came for the Zumbathon!  

 

I was wrong... Zumba was ALL that was happening! People were spilling out into the hall and the cafeteria was packed. You can only imagine my shock.  Imagine if this was being done for your son or daughter?  I can't seem to believe it but I'm beyond thankful.  I wish I had new words to use to share my appreciation.

I got out there on the dance floor with Bailey, her family and a bunch of football moms.  I have never Zumba'd in my life but I have to say, Chris got his moves from me because I was doing alright!  At one point I even sandwiched myself between one of Christopher's high school friends, Stephanie and the group she was with.  I thought she'd probably be mortified but lo and behold she tweeted about me!  She liked dancing with me :-) That was pretty cool. 

I had a chance to talk with some of the vendors for a bit. I was given one of the Infinity bracelets as well as the bottlecap magnets, I bought some baked goods (yum) and had silly pictures taken in the photo booth.  

I wasn't a silent auction winner today but I did like the gift baskets that were donated. 

I also had the chance to meet Hudson, one of the pitbulls who had been abandoned on the train tracks in Albany.  He's the sweetest gentleman with soft fur and gorgeous eyes and his prosthetic paw is amazing.  He has no idea he has it!

To the Shenendehowa School District, the National Honor Society students, the Zumba instructors and all who donated time and effort toward this event for the scholarship funds please know how much this means to me and my family.  Knowing the proceeds will benefit SHEN students for years to come is one of the best feelings for me.  

I am so grateful of your support of my son and to know his name lives on and he will never be forgotten.

Thank you for reading