Local Boxers at Fundraising Event
Members of the Burbank Boxing Club took part in the ultimate form of “cross training” at the first-ever ZumbaThon and Spinning Marathon held Thursday night at the Burbank Community YMCA. In this special report, here are some photos of some of the amateur fighters taking part in this fundraising event for the gym.
Boxing Coach Steve Harpst came by to cheer on his fellow fitness instructors and club members participating in this historic evening that will help raise the Y’s goal of $10,000 to build a new Welcome Center, provide financial assistance and refurbish the gym. The boxing club is housed in this gym, where Harpst founded the Burbank Boxing Club in 1996.
Joining the festivities were the Y’s CEO JC Holt, Yvette Herrera (Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement), Jodi Reneaud, Doris Umemoto, April Houle, Maryam Faresh, Jenn Wahl and more. And many of the staff got their adrenaline going during this unique fitness gathering. A fit Holt worked out on one of the spinning bikes while the spunky Herrera danced in the Zumba routines.
For over two hours several instructors took to the neon-lit stage set up in the south parking lot of the gym. As the sun set, the stage came alive with Zumba teachers Shawna, Angel and Chellie and cycling instructors JoDee, Jill, Rick, Cherre all looking like rock stars up on the stage. While the members normally work out inside the gym, last night was a chance to try something new, creating a more healthy lifestyle while donating to the Y’s fundraiser.
While chatting with the Y staff, Sr. Director of Healthy Living Jodi Reneaud told me they’ve been wanting to do something like this for a long time. They had ideas about separate ZumbaThons and a Cycling event and decided to combine the two in one knockout night. Sponsors for the outing included HealthCare Partners, Diabolo, Production Resource Group (PRG), among the many unsung heroes who began setting up at noon under the blazing sun.
While it was over 100 degrees in the valley, the weather didn’t damper the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd with approximately 80 members exercising in the great outdoors.
Yvette Herrera has led many of the innovative “30 Events in 90 Days” campaign to raise funds for the Y. And during the workout marathon, she not only talked the talk, she walked the walk by participating in the Zumba dance sessions for two hours straight.
Burbank Boxing Club members Sean Ford and Elaine DeGuzman also lent their support to the outdoor bash. Also in attendance were model/dancer Mariah Wesley, Kelly Roebuck and Grace Roebuck, the family of actor Daniel Roebuck (“The Walking Dead” and “Lost”). Boxing coach Harpst previously trained Roebuck, who at the time was shedding pounds for an acting gig.
Out of the boxing ring and cross training on the hot asphalt, the amateur boxers got an intense workout.
Check out some of the heavy hitters at the fundraiser along with some bonus shots of the night!
Photos by Michele Chong
