Clubs for the Quest, formerly Clubs for the Cure, is partnering with Zumba Fitness and clubs around the United States to help raise money to find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The groups’ goal is to raise $1 million through one-hour Zumbathon charity events held at fitness facilities between Jan. 1, 2012, and March 15, 2012.
Pat Laus, founder of Clubs for the Quest and The Atlantic Club, Manasquan, NJ, says she would like to have 2,000 clubs participate.
Laus created Clubs for the Quest to help her friend, Augie Nieto, founder of Life Fitness, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2005. Nieto founded Augie’s Quest, a foundation created to raise money for ALS research. So far, Augie’s Quest has raised more than $30 million.
The money raised at Zumbathons will go to the TDI Research Center in Cambridge, MA, for ALS research, according to Clubs for the Quest.
“When we work together as one industry and harness the power of our members in making a difference in the world, anything is possible,” Laus says.
To participate, club operators can visit www.clubsforthequest.com, a website that includes a one-minute video, promotional materials and a link to register a Zumbathon.