When Chantel Genio first started teaching Zumba® classes, she would often co-teach with other instructors in the community. “There are fewer opportunities now to teach together, so our Zumbathon® fundraiser was a fun chance for all of us [instructors] to share a class again,” explains Chantel.
The ZED Team is made up of four Zumba® fitness instructors — Sara Fox, Chantel Genio, Debbie Jessen, and Sandra Louie — who teach classes throughout the Lower Mainland. This is their second year participating in the Scotiabank Bowl for Big Brothers Classic.
Their Zumbathon® fundraiser at South Slope Elementary in early March brought in crowds of enthusiastic supporters, including many Zumba® first-timers. They raised an impressive $1026 in donations.
It is that enthusiasm from the community and the sisterhood that has formed between the ZED Team Zumba® instructors that inspires Chantel to continue raising funds to support Big Brothers’ mentorship programs.
“I knew a few people growing up who had Big Brothers or Sisters. Today, my teammates are my mentors. We’ve supported each other professionally and even in our family lives,” says Chantel. “We have really been there for each other; we’ve become sisters.”
Learn more about how you can start your own company fundraiser or bowling team.