Party in Pink

Ladies in pink headed to Eisenhower Park on Sept. 29 to participate in the first annual Party in Pink Zumbathon charity event that benefitted Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Organized by East Meadow resident Laura Vegas, a zumba instructor at Nassau County Aquatic Center, the event garnered about $300 toward the eradication of breast cancer. Vegas said she was hoping to raise more funds, but a cloudy morning lead to limited participation.

“Zumba,” said Vegas, “takes the stigma out of exercise. It’s no pressure. It’s all about having a good time. People enjoy it because they don’t feel like they’re exercising.”

This international Zumba Fitness Party in Pink event, Vegas said, is something she has wanted to start on a local level for a few years adding, “I never had a venue.” This year, however, she worked with Nassau County to secure Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre as the platform for the East Meadow pink party. “The County was awesome about letting me get this organized,” she said.

When asked if she will bring the event back next year, Vegas said, “Most definitely.”

In addition to teaching Zumba, Vegas educates youngsters at Smith Street School in Uniondale.