May 15, 2008

AVAC’s Zumba class benefits Turning Wheel for Kids

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Staff Writer

Almaden Valley Athletic Club members joined a pulsating Zumba class this past Saturday. Not only were the participants becoming more physically fit, they were benefiting Turning Wheels for Kids.

Fifty-three enthusiastic participants signed up for Almaden Valley Athletic Club’s Turning Wheel for Kids Zumba fundraiser on Saturday. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

“This is amazing,” said TWK founder Susan Runsvold, who participated in the Zumba class. “Each one of you has bought a bike for a child. I want to thank you and AVAC for hosting spinning classes and now the Zumba class two years in a row.”

Runsvold is the brainchild behind TWK, a nonprofit organization that encourages physical fitness by providing underprivileged youth throughout Santa Clara County bicycles and helmets. Almaden Valley Athletic Club [AVAC] hosted a spinning class last year raising enough donations for 2,200 bikes that were distributed during the 2007 holiday season.

“AVAC chose to work with TWK again this year because of the simple message: Your donation buys a bike for a child, a child who would not have a bike any other way,” said Becky Smothermon AVAC activities director and Benefit Class chair. “As a club dedicated to helping its members with their fitness goals it is only fitting that we give back to the community by supporting an organization that values fitness.

“Childhood obesity is the fastest growing disease in America today. By providing children with bikes we are giving them the means to stay active, hopefully, keeping them from becoming part of the obesity statistic,” added Somthermon.

A winning patnership: AVAC Zumba instructor Lauren Kaufman, TWK founder Sue Runsvold, AVAC activies director Becky Smothermon and AVAC trainer and instructor Stacy Farmer with a bicycle that will be purchased from donations with last Saturday’s Super Zumba class and this week’s spinning classes.

AVAC added Zumba (Spanish slang for “to move fast and have fun”), a one-hour class incorporating traditional cumbia, salsa, samba and meringue dance 11 months ago. The class is so popular; a few participants would like to be certified Zumba trainers. For the TWK class, it became Super Zumba, a one-and-a-half hour fitness extravaganza led by AVAC trainers Stacy Farmer and daughter Lauren Kaufman.

“I’ve attended AVAC for 11 years and when I heard about the Zumba class last year, I signed up,” said Almaden resident Helene Eichler. “I like to dance. This is a very good workout and it’s fun. And it’s great that the class benefits TWK.”

AVAC will host two spinning classes, one at 7:15 a.m. and another at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 17 to benefit TWK for a $50 donation per person. A brunch will be served after each session. For more information, stop by AVAC’s front desk at 5400 Camden Ave., call (408) 445-4919 or visit www.avac.us. Non members are welcome.

For more information on TWK, visit www.turningwheelsforkids.com.