Organization raises awareness through ‘Zumbathon’ Published April 24, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Pamela Dorsey, the sexual assault response coordinator, and her sexual assault victim advocates hosted Zumbathon at the James Gym April 19. Zumba is an easy-to-follow, Latin inspired and calorie-burning dance fitness party created by Alberto "Beto" Perez, who is a native of Colombia. This event helped raise awareness and promoted the prevention of sexual violence. Dorsey said, "I wanted to try something different this year to bring attention to this issue that incorporated physical fitness and wasn't a run. Zumba is very popular right now." Sexual assault information was available for Zumba participants to look through on a display table, along with refreshments. Two awareness banners were also displayed. "I hope that while people had fun doing Zumba, they would also receive the sexual assault awareness message subliminally," Dorsey said. Every hour, certified Zumba instructors led participants in high-energy dance classes. Two of the instructors were Kiana Senior, who is pursuing a degree in exercise science and kinesiology at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and Jodie Boyer, a civilian who works in the dental clinic. "The Zumbathon was a great idea," Boyer said. "The atmosphere was great. It was such a morale booster. I wish they would do more of these types of events on base. People came together for a great cause--I loved it." Tech. Sgt. Karen Ibarra, the victim advocate who put together the event, said that people were stopping by the display table, even if they didn't participate in Zumba which gave the SARC and victim advocates an opportunity to share their message. "I hope people walked away with a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment for not just Zumba, but our message and an awareness of a growing problem in our DOD and civilian communities," Ibarra said. During the classes, the SARC danced alongside other women while burning calories and having a good time. "I think the event went very well," Dorsey said. "I hope people walked away with a greater awareness of sexual assault. This was a fun venue to raise awareness. "Sexual Assault is a crime and goes against Air Force core values. These core values are the foundation of the Wingman culture. Scott is taking an active role in educating its members about their role in the battle against sexual assault. The base is striving for an environment where sexual assault is not tolerated and where all Airmen are respected."