Community Corner
Local Fitness Instructor Raises Benefit Money, Awareness
Zumba instructor Pauline Henriques holds fitness events that raise money and awareness for charities.
It is possible for any of us to take what it is we love to do and use it to help others. Local Zumba instructor Pauline Henriques does just that and uses her passion for fitness not only to benefit those who are looking to get into shape, but also our community at large.
She hosts special events that raise money for charities, aiding both local and national causes. Pauline, who teaches classes in Nanuet, Garnerville, West Nyack, and Nyack, has been a certified fitness instructor for about 20 years. Formerly an instructor of step, spinning and kickboxing, Pauline now only teaches Zumba classes, which is a dance fitness program. The West Nyack mother of three runs a program for 3rd to 6th grade girls in Rutherford, New Jersey in addition to being active in raising money and awareness for a plethora worthy causes.
We sat down with Pauline for a few moments to discuss her charitable works.
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Q: What causes do you raise awareness for?
A: I have done fundraisers for Breast Cancer and for People to People of Rockland County, it's a local organization. Also, for United Hospice of Rockland County and, recently, for the Dizzy Feet Foundation. I also helped in an event at the JCC to benefit victims of terrorism in Israel.
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Q: How did you first get inspired to get involved in these causes?
A: The first one [cause] I did was People to People. I heard about it through my son's elementary school. They were having a food drive and I thought I could raise money through dancing and raise money for families in my own area. For that class the owner of the Liquid Ice night club donated the space. We had a packed Zumba Class and raised $1,000.
Q: What upcoming events do you have planned?
A: My next general event is a Zumba party on September 25 at Liquid Ice nightclub, which is going to be an hour and a half class and I'll be raffling off prizes. My next fundraiser is going to be October 24 at 11:30am at the JCC in West Nyack and will benefit the Gulf Coast Restoration Network.
Q: As a fitness instructor, what thoughts do you have about general wellness?
A: I was a general fitness instructor before I became a Zumba instructor and I always tried to make my classes fun, but when Zumba Fitness came on the scene, my job became a lot easier. I think if you can have fun while you're working out you'll keep doing it.
For more information about Pauline, her charitable efforts, and her classes, check out her website at http://zumbapauline.com/
