Doing Zumba for a cause

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there's an event this weekend where the ladies are shaking it to help women recently diagnosed with the disease.

First you take some Zumba, a Latin dance exercise party. Add in a growing local charity, and you've got the first known "Zumbathon" fundraiser happening Sunday, October 9 in Bedford Township.

Christy Perry Makulinski of The Z Fit Factory says, "Yes, a Zumbathon. We're going to Zumba, Zumba some more, burn lots of calories, and raise money for a good cause."

The good cause is "Baskets of Care."

Founder Gail Cooper says, "Our organization is giving hands on support to newly diagnosed patients at that exact diagnosis time."

Baskets of Care are filled with comfort items and are given to women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. They include everything from music, salon visits, candy bars, and a personal journal.

The Baskets of Care idea is taking off.

"Since we started this March 12, we've gifted over 165 bags," Cooper says.

Each basket costs $50, which is where the Zumbathon comes in. It's a fundraiser to pay for more baskets!

All proceeds from Sunday's event go straight to Baskets of Care. The fun kicks off at 12:30 p.m., and the minimum donation is $10.