THE GYM of Englewood Raises $1,100 for Autism Awareness

For the second year in a row, THE GYM hosted a Zumba Dance Party to benefit MarbleJam Kids, a non-profit organization that offers a creative outlet for children and adults with Autism.

Instructors Nancy Cucchiara, Hila Reva, Chris SantaMaria, Louis Scriven and Cat Veca led a class of roughly 50 dancers, as they spent the night moving and shaking for an important cause. In 90 minutes, $1,100 was raised and all proceeds went to MarbleJam Kids.

“It’s a great feeling of support when [a] community rallies for a grassroots organization like MarbleJam Kids,” said Anna Villa-Bager, founder and president of MarbleJam Kids. “We are so honored and grateful to THE GYM of Englewood, their incredible instructors and all who attended.”

MarbleJam Kids is a New Jersey DDD authorized service provider dedicated to providing creative arts enrichment to individuals with Autism, Developmental Disabilities and special needs, through customized and therapeutically supported arts and enrichment programs. The facility, located in River Edge, New Jersey, is equipped with a dance, music and arts studio, which provides an ideal setting for children of all ages and their families.

“We’re so glad we were able to host this event and work with MarbleJam Kids again this year,” said Nurit Chasman, group fitness director at THE GYM. “It was a fun workout for the participants and a great way to support the wonderful programs MarbleJam Kids offers.”