The Elizabeth, New Jersey Chapter of WFWP, in collaboration with the Junior Chamber International (JCI North Jersey chapter, http://www.jcinorthjersey.org/) or Jaycees, initiated a fundraiser event dubbed a “Dance-A-Thon” to help support victims of the recent earthquake in Nepal. It was held at the Elizabeth Family Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey on May 16, 2015.

There were guest dance instructors who taught different styles of dance, and participants to donated $10 every time they decided to join an instructional dance session. Guest dance instructors taught such styles as Line Dancing, Latin, African, and Free Style. Dance instructors included Mrs. Elena Bahian, who led the Line Dancing, which lasted for an hour, and Ms. Ruth Mendoza who led the Latin Dancing.

Ladies even came from New York to grace the event with their Latin moves and gave generous cash donations. Ms. Ismenia Tejada (in the pink) from Brooklyn, NY was awarded the best dancer of the day. The registration table was manned by Mrs. Magda Rapada, the Project Development Director of WFWP Elizabeth. The registration fee was a mere $5 which included 3 raffle tickets that entered them into the drawing for 3 chances to win gift packages.

Participants who came to the event were from many different backgrounds and continents. Asian participants included Filipinos, Japanese, and Thai. There were Africans, Europeans, Latin Americans, and, of course, Americans. It created a true spectacle of diversity united around a common purpose: to help people in need, the Nepalese. Diverse ethnic foods were served as well to the delight of all who came.

Part of the fundraiser was a Raffle Draw and a Silent Auction. Some gifts that were raffled off were gift baskets of hair accessories donated by Joyce Andes-David of JCI North Jersey; Atomy Spa Kit products donated by WFWP member Songkran Oguera; NuSkin Products donated by WFWP New Jersey Vice President Mrs. Yasuyo Uala;, a Coach Bag donated by Mrs. Elena Bahian; and some kitchen accessories. The amount raised from the raffle was $257.

Our overall goal was to raise $1000.00 to help support the Nepalese people. Thanks to this event we were able to raise a little over that: $1007.00.

One of the highlights was when Dr. Georges Tegha, Deputy Secretary of the ANHA (African New Hope Association) provided us with some traditional African music.

There were so many important participants and so many organizations that co-sponsored and contributed to making this event heart-warming and enjoyable at the same time. The goal was met, people learned new dance moves, the food was delicious, and everyone left feeling good that the victims of the disaster in Nepal would be given at least some of what they need through the contributions that evening.

DANCE FOR NEPAL RELIEF

HUGGING

"IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO CHANGE AND GET HEALTHIER" INTERVIEW: MRS. BETSY ORMAN, CANCER SURVIVOR