Annual Zumba Fitness Dance to Fight AIDS Benefits GMHC

On Sunday, November 8, Zumba� Fitness teachers Richard Martinez and Eileen Bastien will host their third annual Zumba� Fitness Dance Fundraiser to Fight AIDS, benefiting Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), the world's first and leading provider of HIV and AIDS prevention, care, and advocacy. Richard and Eileen will be joined by 15 Zumba� Fitness teachers from the tri-state area, who are all donating their time because they all are committed to raising critically needed funds.
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"When I visited GMHC in 2013, I knew instantly that this phenomenal organization cared not only about those living with HIV and AIDS, but also the families and communities impacted by it," said Richard 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."

Richard and Eileen have both lost several family members to AIDS-related complications, and they feel that giving back to GMHC is a great way to honor and remember their loved ones.
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"I deeply believe in GMHC's core values like community, empowerment, inclusiveness, respect, responsibility, and safety," added Eileen Bastien. "These values are why thousands have benefited from GMHC's programs and services. GMHC has improved the lives of many who might otherwise not be with us today, and I want to be part of that legacy."

Alan van Capelle, President and CEO of Educational Alliance, which oversees the Manny Cantor Center, said that they were proud to host and support their colleagues at GMHC, adding that they hoped the Zumba� Fitness Dance to Fight AIDS Fundraiser helped raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, while supporting an organization that works tirelessly to eradicate the virus and associated stigmas.

"It is hard to articulate how grateful we are to Richard and Eileen for hosting Zumba� Fitness Dance to Fight AIDS in partnership with all of the other teachers," said GMHC CEO Kelsey Louie. "The funds raised will help us continue to offer life-saving services like serving over 80,000 hot meals each year, testing over 2,000 people at our testing center and being able to advocate on a city, state and federal level. GMHC touches the lives of over 9,000 people each year who are impacted by HIV and AIDS, and we could not do it without great community partners like Richard and Eileen."
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Zumba� Fitness Dance Fundraiser to Fight AIDS, benefiting Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Manny Cantor Center, 197 East Broadway at Jefferson Street in New York City. Tickets are $25 each and all proceeds benefit GMHC.

To purchase tickets, visit GMHC.org/ZUMBA