There was no more room at the All Saints Episcopal Church gym in Kapa‘a Saturday during the Relay For Life Zumba fundraiser for Team Fely’s Angels.
“They said we can only put 50 people in here,” said Zumba instructor Sandie Ishii, who was joined by a host of other Zumba instructors during the event benefiting the American Cancer Society.
“We have the Zoom cameras on right now. Additionally, because this is a fundraising event, we’re asking for donations to hook up through Zoom.”
Zumba enthusiasts — the gym floors literally rocked to the music — donated to participate in the workout.
“We came from the Westside,” said Roy Buduan. “I even donated one of my paintings to help the cause. I’m here with Zumba instructor Jorienda Johnson.”
Ishii said the Saturday event was a master class, with gift bags and lucky-number prizes given away.
Team Fely’s Angels, named in memory of Fely Ragasa, only recently came off a successful Pop-Up and Pick-Up event that was held at the Coconut Marketplace in Waipouli, where Team Fely’s Angels offered cupcakes and charcuterie boxes.
Following a year of minimal activity due to the pandemic shutting everything down, ACS said a virtual event taking place Sept. 11 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. has a goal of $100,000.
Fundraising for this event is already underway, with Fely’s Angels having raised more than $3,200 to secure the No. 3 team spot. The top fundraising team is the Purple Palooza with $6,320, followed by the LHM Dharma Dragons at $4,610.
According to the website, Allison Toma is the top individual fundraiser with more than $6,000.
Combined, the Kaua‘i Relay For Life has raised nearly $29,000 with about 80 days remaining until the Sept. 11 virtual event.
To help, or donate, call Patti Ornellas at the ACS Kaua‘i office at 808-245-2997.
