WESTFIELD – Westfield State University Student Ambassadors will host a Zumba fundraiser to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network for BayState Children’s Hospital on Monday, February 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Scanlon Banquet Hall.
Student Ambassadors are a select group of students who work with the campus and greater Westfield community to promote the positive elements of Westfield State. Students Ambassadors are selected based on the leadership skills they exhibit both on campus and in their personal lives. They provide services both on and off campus with much of their experiences crossing generations. Previous service projects include participation in the Compass Mentor Program with Littleville Elementary School in Huntington, in which Student Ambassadors pair up with elementary students to provide positive experiences and encourage kids to stay motivated about school. Intergenerational programs include coordinating social events at the Westfield Arbors, an assisted living community, and weekly visits to the Samaritan Inn to serve snacks. Future projects include establishment of the Student Ambassador Leadership Scholarship in partnership with the Westfield State Foundation.
Student Ambassador Samantha Lee ’17 of Hopkinton Mass. said the group chose Baystate Children’s Hospital as the event’s beneficiary because they wanted to support a local organization. Student Ambassadors routinely hold 3-5 fundraisers per year. Past nonprofit beneficiaries include the Westfield Boys and Girls Club, Birthday Wishes, and the 15-40 Cancer Awareness Organization.
“We want to help make a difference for the children in our greater community who are being helped here,” Lee said. “Giving back is a major focus of Student Ambassadors, and hosting this event allows us the opportunity to include our campus community in this effort.”
According to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital website, 62 children enter a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital for treatment every minute. Baystate Children’s Hospital provides care to more than 40,000 patients each year.
At the event, participants will learn firsthand how their donations will impact local families. The Morris family from Southwick will attend and speak about their experience at Baystate Children’s Hospital where their seven-year-old daughter, Morgan “Momo” Morris,” was treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in 2011.
The Westfield State Zumba Fundraiser will be led by Zumba instructor Tara Daley. Zumba, a dance workout combing high and low intensity moves to the beat of Latin music, is practiced in 180 countries around the globe.
The event is open to the public. Participants are encouraged to wear workout clothes and sneakers. The cost is a suggested donation of $3 for students and $5 for community members. Participants do not need to sign up prior to the event. All proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network for Baystate Children’s Hospital. For more information, contact Kim Morgan, Student Ambassador Program Coordinator, at (413) 572-5400.
