GMHC Holds Zumba Fundraiser at Chelsea Piers

On Sunday, July 27, Zumba Fitness teachers Richard Martinez and Eileen Bastien, will host for a second time the Zumba� Fitness AIDS Fundraiser to benefit GMHC, the world's first and leading provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy. They will be joined by 20 Zumba Fitness teachers from the tri-state area who are all donating their time.

"We are grateful for our new friends, Richard and Eileen for hosting, Zumba� Fitness AIDS Fundraiser," said GMHC's CEO Kelsey Louie. "Their collective generosity, including all the teachers, is especially appreciated. Their work mirrors GMHC's work-to be inspirational and empowering to those we serve. Zumba� Fitness is a robust way to fight AIDS and love life."

The event will feature music by DJ Victor Casper Santiago. Last year, over 300 people attended and raised $7,000. Martinez and Bastien have both lost several family members to AIDS and feel this is a great way to keep their memory alive by giving back to GMHC.

"When I visited the GMHC's headquarters in NYC in 2013, I knew instantly that this phenomenal organization not only cared about those affected by HIV/AIDS but also the families and community impacted by this disease, said Martinez. "I believe in GMHC's vision and mission. I only wish that I had known about GMHC when my brother was diagnosed so many years ago."

While Martinez primarily teaches in New York city locations such as The Ailey Extension (a division of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), Equinox and the West Side YMCA, he also travels nationally and internationally sharing his passion for Zumba� Fitness via master classes.

Bastien is a professional fundraiser at an academic institution and teaches Zumba� Fitness part-time. Formerly trained in Modern and Jazz dance as a young girl, it was perfectly natural for her to pursue music and movement and a career in the fitness world.

"I deeply believe in GMHC's core values -- community, empowerment, inclusiveness, respect, responsibility and safety," Eileen said. "That is why thousands have benefited from such profound support. They have improved the lives of many who without GMHC may not be with us today and I want to be part of that legacy!"

Martinez said that GMHC has had a profound impact on him as an individual, adding that he was honored to be able to help further their mission.

"Together we will use our voices, use our dance moves and join the fight for a world without AIDS," he said.