By: Tiffany Wong
The Steve Lacey Fieldhouse became a dance studio on April 5 as graduate students Alyssa Campbell and Morgan Melzer hosted their first “Zumbathon” in order to raise funds for their graduate project in Occupational Therapy (OT).
People, who walked into the Fieldhouse at 6:00 p.m. might have been overwhelmed at the site of 55 people dancing on a basketball court. It was a mix of people including Milligan and ETSU students and people from the community.
Admission was $5. Black T-Shirts were sold for $15 with the fundraiser’s theme on them: “Shake It For Autism.” With the raised proceeds, they will help a family with two autistic children.
“The goal is to make the children’s environment more kid friendly,” said Morgan Melzer.
Campbell and Melzer knew that helping this family was going to be a challenge mentally and financially, so the solution was to combine their talents. Campbell designed the shirts at the Zumbathon and Melzer led participates.
“Autism is more individualized that each family has different needs,” said Alyssa Campbell. The two plan on purchasing new furniture, and paint walls in order to improve their family life.
Melzer is the official Zumba instructor for the Gilliam Wellness Center at Milligan College.
Zumba is an intense dance workout created by a choreographer Kirsty “Beto” Baker. The key element to this workout is music. Zumba borrows dance moves from salsa, merengue, mambo, cha-cha, Reggaeton, samba, belly dancing, hip-hop, and tango.
“[Melzer’s] been a great instructor” said, Sydney Franklin, a regular Zumba attendee, “we wanted to support her and her OT program.”
Participates danced for two hours. “The Zumbathon was extremely fun and beneficial!” said Kristen Quon, a freshman studying communications, “I was really excited to take part and help.”
“I came out to support my fellow classmate,” said Alex LaGrass, an OT student, “I have a brother with Autism, so I think this is a great cause.”
Campbell and Melzer with the Aumbathon raised over $600.
We hope to make a difference with it,” said Melzer.
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