When Goodstart Cameron Park assistant director Katie Butt saw first-hand the amazing work the entertainers were doing at John Hunter Children’s Hospital, she knew she had to help out.
A friend’s three-year-old son was admitted to the hospital and she watched as Star Wars characters and musicians managed to bring smiles to the faces of children undergoing medical treatment.
“Just to see those sick children smile and laugh, even if just for a minute, was worthwhile,” Ms Butt said.
She decided to set up a fundraising event at Goodstart Cameron Park and Zumbatomic was born.
“It was a kid’s dance party on February 9 to raise money for all of the children at John Hunter Children’s Hospital,” she said. “One of the educators at our centre, Jenny Chivers, is a Zumba teacher so she helped the children with their moves.”
About 40 children took part in the event, which was open to all families in the community, and more than $100 was raised through gold coin donations.
“We have a real focus at our centre on healthy eating and movement for the children and this not only raised money for a worthy cause, it got the children up at moving.
“They absolutely loved it and we’re hoping we will be able to hold another fundraiser soon.”
Zumba is a dance program created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto Perez during the 1990s. It involves dance and aerobic movements performed to energetic music.
“Some of the educators had a turn dancing while the event was being held and everyone had a great time,” Ms Butt said.
A friend’s three-year-old son was admitted to the hospital and she watched as Star Wars characters and musicians managed to bring smiles to the faces of children undergoing medical treatment.
“Just to see those sick children smile and laugh, even if just for a minute, was worthwhile,” Ms Butt said.
She decided to set up a fundraising event at Goodstart Cameron Park and Zumbatomic was born.
“It was a kid’s dance party on February 9 to raise money for all of the children at John Hunter Children’s Hospital,” she said. “One of the educators at our centre, Jenny Chivers, is a Zumba teacher so she helped the children with their moves.”
About 40 children took part in the event, which was open to all families in the community, and more than $100 was raised through gold coin donations.
“We have a real focus at our centre on healthy eating and movement for the children and this not only raised money for a worthy cause, it got the children up at moving.
“They absolutely loved it and we’re hoping we will be able to hold another fundraiser soon.”
Zumba is a dance program created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto Perez during the 1990s. It involves dance and aerobic movements performed to energetic music.
“Some of the educators had a turn dancing while the event was being held and everyone had a great time,” Ms Butt said.