The Jacob’s Heart Book Drive at the Aptos Curves was a fantastic success. People showed up with armloads of books of all kinds for children and teens. Then they jumped into one of the zumba classes. I’d never seen or heard zumba before. Alberto “Beto” Perez, a dancer and choreographer, created this dance fitness program, which combines international music such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, and even has Indian influences. The whole idea is to make exercise fun, and let me tell you, the music is infectious. It seriously got my feet moving. If I hadn’t been behind my book table, I would’ve jumped onto the floor and joined the Curves ladies. The energy through out the day was unreal, a testimony to the Curves members, and most especially to Janna Malizia, who runs the gym in Aptos and Watsonville, and who organized the book drive. Janna has created a powerful sense of community, where people of all ages and levels of fitness feel comfortable. The whole day felt like a big party. The best part, of course, is that we were helping Jacob’s Heart children. Authors, take note: Don’t underestimate the power of your words. Books of all kinds were big on Jacob’s Heart’s wish list. The also need the following:
For Family Support:
*Prepaid gas cards from Shell or Valero @ $25 value
*Prepaid grocery cards @ $25 value
*Books for children of all ages (including bilingual books and books for teenagers)
*Nonperishable food – contact them for list of items needed at 831-724-9100
*Prepaid gas cards from Shell or Valero @ $25 value
*Prepaid grocery cards @ $25 value
*Books for children of all ages (including bilingual books and books for teenagers)
*Nonperishable food – contact them for list of items needed at 831-724-9100
Office:
*Office chairs for their Salinas office
*Reams of white multipurpose copy paper
*Media cart
*Donated printing needed often!
*Office chairs for their Salinas office
*Reams of white multipurpose copy paper
*Media cart
*Donated printing needed often!
Many thanks to Janna for inviting me to join the event, and to the Curves members for allowing me to share Wyndano’s Cloak with them. It was a day I’ll always remember. Meanwhile, I’ll be looking for zumba CDs to move to in between drafts of my next novel! If you’re in the area, head on down to the Aptos Curves, you’ll feel it not only in your body, but in your heart and soul.
Many thanks also to Chris Hansen of Laser Light for introducing me to Janna!
Here are the links to the Aptos Curves Facebook page and to Jacob’s Heart. Please consider a direct donation to Jacob’s Heart. I can’t imagine a more worthy organization.
