On Feb. 24, Bakersfield College’s nursing department and SGA hosted a Zumbathon fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Zumba instructor Quanita Hampton’s son is a freshman at BC. She said she is participating because Zumba is fun, relaxing and “today it’s rewarding because we’re dancing for a worthy cause.”

Hampton said after the students donated and danced, they were given snacks, juice, and a wristband. The minimum donation was $1.

Heather Foss, BC cheer coach, said she came to dance and to encourage students to participate. She said she had been dancing for more than five minutes and the weather was great for the fundraiser and Zumba.

BC freshman Teola Copper said, “I danced from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.” Cooper, tired and sweaty, said, “It’s a real workout, but it’s worth it.”

Alicia Thompson, JDRF chapter senior manager for Bakersfield and the Central Valley, said diabetes is a real problem in the valley. “So far this year, 352 individuals in Fresno and l47 in Bakersfield have been diagnosed with diabetes,” she said.

Thompson said the money raised from the fundraiser will be used for the benefit of diabetic individuals in Bakersfield and Fresno.