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United Way’s Zumbathon has new twist

STEUBENVILLE – There’s a new twist to the United Way of Jefferson County’s annual Zumbathon, but it won’t be in the workout itself.

United Way officials are working with the YMCA to offer the Zumbathon fundraiser on May 10 at the local Y on Johnson Road, but this year’s event also will feature a quarter auction, where participants can shop for popular merchandise by bidding on items.

Last year’s Zumbathon at Harding Stadium was labeled a success, according to Beth Rupert-Warren, United Way executive director; however, by holding this year’s event inside the YMCA, rainy weather won’t be a factor.

Tickets for this year’s Zumbathon, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., cost $15 before the event and are available at the United Way of Jefferson County offices at 511 N. Fourth St. Tickets also will be available for $20 at the door, Rupert-Warren said.

And it’s after the two-hour workout when the quarter auction will get under way, according to event organizers.

Doors are to open at around 11:30 a.m., with the bidding to begin at noon, according to Andrea Allender of Bergholz, who sells Damsel in Defense products and is heading up the vendors for the United Way event.

The cost of the quarter auction is $5, which will get each participant his or her own auction paddle and ball, according to Allender. The event will include food and a 50/50 drawing.

Allender explained the quarter auction allows participants to bid on items using quarters, with products worth $1 to $25 requiring a quarter bid; products from $26 to $50 requiring at least a 50-cent bid; and products from $51 to $75 requiring a 75-cent bid.

Vendors scheduled to take part to date include Paparrazzi, Damsel in Defense, Stephanie’s Goodies, Origami Owl custom jewelry, Scentsy, Jamberry Nails, Candy Bouquets, Simply Said Designs, Thirty-One, Honey Girl Boutique, Burdick Bears, Pure Romance, Dove Chocolate, Pink Zebra, Pampered Chef, Just for the Craft of It, It Works, Treasures in a Candle, Wreaths by Mary, and Tastefully Simple, among others.

“There’s a new resource of people who are willing to help the United Way and its agencies,” said Rupert-Warren of the many vendors from throughout the Tri-State Area planning to take part.

“Now small businesses in the community with the YMCA and the United Way have that networking. It’s new friends and working relationships. And it’s just the beginning. Other avenues will be available,” she said.

“It’s a win-win-win for the United Way, the community and the people served,” said Allender. “The quarter auction will be a great place to do some holiday shopping or Mother’s Day shopping.”

The Zumba session once again will be led by Amy Colantoni with help from assistants Heather Koehnlein and Patty Cherepko.

Colantoni, a Zumba instructor at the YMCA, is the assistant director for the Upward Bound program at Eastern Gateway Community College.

She explains Zumba as, “a combination of fitness, entertainment and culture that is a dance fitness that gives you a total body workout.”

For ticket information, contact the United Way office at (740) 284-9000.

Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the local United Way and its 2015 Live United Campaign, which supports 19 area agencies.

Voto Sales is a Zumbathon quarter auction sponsor, and sponsorships are available for $250 each until April 28, according to Rupert-Warren.

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