Zumbathon raises $5,700 for Ukraine

The Birch Bay community raised $5,744 for Ukraine during a Zumbathon event at the Birch Bay Activity Center.

Zumba instructors traveled from Oak Harbor to host the 90-minute Zumbathon March 19 at the Birch Bay Activity Center. All proceeds went to Save the Children’s Ukraine emergency relief fund and were matched by Nature’s Path.

The event also had a silent auction with items and gift certificates from local businesses such as Beach Cat Brewing and Drayton Harbor Oyster Company.

Event organizer Celine Mauger said 40 people were in attendance and many more made donations. Determined to help, Mauger organized the event in a week.

“I was looking at the news and seeing all of the children and their moms fleeing the war and I was crying. You want to help,” said Mauger, who has children of her own. “One thing I know how to do is do Zumba and put on a Zumbathon.”

Mauger said she was inspired by the community for its support. Zumba instructors donated their time, the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 donated its space and the community donated more than double what Mauger was hoping.

“It’s been an amazing response from the community and it’s been a team effort,” she said. “Everyone wants to do something to help.”