Villa Park Zumbathon benefits cancer charity

With Latin grooves as a guide, more than a hundred men, women and children danced their way toward a cure for breast cancer Saturday in Villa Park.

The park and recreation district’s 3rd Annual Zumbathon at Iowa Community Center brought in more than $2,000 for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure charity.

The event draws on the popularity of Zumba dance fitness, which infuses international music and aerobics for a workout that feels more like a party.

“We’re sharing in on the fun but at the same time doing something good for the community,” said co-organizer and Zumba instructor Esther Collo-Peruzzo.

About 140 people participated in Saturday’s Zumbathon — many of them die-hard Zumba fans like Diane Zuber, 49, of Addison, who said she tried regular aerobics, step classes and even karate before joining in the craze.

“I’ve been exercising all my life and I get bored,” she said. “This is fun and you don’t feel like you’re working. Just to get through it, I feel like I’ve accomplished something. And the great thing is, anybody can do it.”

Grant Paplauskas, another organizer and instructor, said Zumba is meant for all ages, genders and sizes.

Saturday’s youngest participant was a 7-year-old girl who came with her mother, he said, but there also were plenty of men, women and seniors lining the dance floor.

The fundraiser lasted three hours, with some participants coming and going, and others exercising straight through with occasional breaks.

Participants gave a suggested $10 donation each, and also could donate through raffles, auctions, a bake sale, and T-shirt sales. Organizers said all funds raised will go to the Komen charity.

“We’re happy people dancing for a better life and just thrilled to do this for such a good cause,” Paplauskas said. “Cancer has affected everyone here in one way or another. Every little bit helps.”

For more information on the park and recreation district’s Zumba program, call (630) 834-8970. To donate to the Komen charity through Villa Park’s Zumbathon, visit info-komen.org/goto/ZumbathonVP.