Zumba troopers

Thursday, Feb. 20 — In December, Lansing blogger Christine Keith and her 14-year-old son were shot and killed by her estranged husband before he turned the gun on himself. Two-and-half months later, some of Keith’s friends are using that tragedy to heighten domestic violence awareness and raise funds for Keith’s family. 

Kristin Pfauth was one of Keith’s friends. She said she met Keith in Zumba class, which inspired her to create a unique fundraising event. Pfauth and some of Keith’s other friends from class will host a two-hour Zumba class fundraiser — dubbed the Zumbathon — at Hannah Community Center this Sunday.

Zumba is a Latin-based dance fitness class that fuses fitness, entertainment and culture with dance and aerobic elements. Besides being a Zumba enthusiast and teacher, Keith also wrote the blog, “Adventures of a Thrifty Momma.” Pfauth said Keith taught two classes in Eaton Rapids and that she was passionate about Zumba instruction.

“She loved it,” said Pfauth. The Zumbathon will feature several instructors, all with different styles. There will also be refreshments and a silent auction. Suggested donations are $10, and all proceeds will go to Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing’s memorial fund for Keith’s family that will benefit the three children who were left behind.

Pfauth said no experience is necessary to attend. She hopes to make it an annual event to raise money and awareness for domestic violence.

Zumbathon

2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23

$10 donation benefits

Hannah Community Center

819 Abbot Road, East Lansing

(517) 243-2376, barnettk@juno.com