WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

Everything happens for a reason.

This is our story of how ZUMBA® Fitness inspired an entire community to come

together in support of helping those with autism and enabled so many of us to

experience an amazing journey together.

It began almost five years ago; what I thought

would be an ordinary Monday evening ZUMBA®

class turned out to be a life changing experience.

In my first class at a new location, I met a special

young man named James, and his mother

Marylou.

James was dancing, stomping, and simply letting

the music move him, unaware of his surroundings

or of those watching him. After class, I learned that

James was autistic, and his communication consisted of one-word sentences. He said

my name “D-e-b-i" and I instantly fell in love with his spirit.

As I grew to know James and understand the challenges he faced each day, every

Monday ZUMBA® session became a special treat when I saw James arrive. As time

passed, I realized how he was becoming much more focused and controlled. He

seemed to be using ZUMBA® as his method of communication and expression.

This positive interaction inspired me to hold a

special class for Autism Awareness Month in April

of 2012, and James was our special guest. I was so

excited to find out that James was going to close

out our event by singing “What a Wonderful

World.” While James is not able to speak in

complete sentences, he can sing!

Looking forward to an event celebrating both community and awareness, I got the

devastating news that my mother had suddenly passed away, mere hours before our

event was supposed to start.

But I remembered that my mother had always attended

and supported every ZUMBA® charity event I had ever

organized. This event, and James, was important to me,

and therefore important to her. We held the class, and I

kept her death to myself until the event ended. The

inspiration of seeing James animated and happy was

emotional enough—when James sang at the end of the

program, there was not a dry eye in the community center. You see, in James’s world,

it is truly wonderful!

Just a few months later, a young lady named

Kelsey came to my class at the local community

center. I was a little concerned for her safety

because of the way she moved, and thought she

could possibly hurt herself.

Kelsey’s aunt shared with me that Kelsey is autistic.

What at first looked troubling was Kelsey’s

excitement to be there and to dance with others.

She too, expresses herself and communicates

through music!

As time passed, I hosted several events and classes

including James and Kelsey. Our entire community

welcomed them and became an extended support

network. James and Kelsey were doing so well they were

willing to help me and the other ZUMBA® Instructors,

standing in front of the classes and dancing with us. We

all could see the difference that ZUMBA® made in the

lives of these two young friends—and we felt a tremendous source of pride in them.

As we continued to foster this mutual development, I attended my first ZUMBA®

convention in August of 2013. As I prepared for the event, I started chatting with ZES

Ann Saldi. During our conversation, we invited her to come to an event in Maryland,

with one requirement – that we focus on charity events.

Incredibly, I learned that Ann has twin autistic boys, and this cause is as dear to her

heart as it is to ours! Planning for our event began before the convention concluded.

Everything happens for a reason . . .

Through an amazing partnership with the

community center director and the Maryland

National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-

NCPPC), a bigger and better event was planned in

April 2014, during Autism Awareness Month.

The community center staff, ZUMBA® Instructors,

and the families of James and Kelsey pulled

together to determine where the event proceeds

would have the greatest effect. We agreed- the

money should stay within the community that came together to raise it. We arrived at

innovative decision: My company (BLING it On Fitness) created the “Camp BLING for

BLUE Scholarship,” so every dollar raised had immediate, local impact. Through the

M-NCPPC, this foundation donates all proceeds directly to autistic children so that they

have an opportunity to go to local summer camps!

With the support of ZESs, Ann Saldi, April (Smiles)

Smith, DMV Zjammers, local ZIN® members and class

participants, we have now sponsored, planned, and

conducted two successful Unmasking Autism ZUMBA®

Charity Events, raising more than $9,000. A third event

will be held in April 2016, shaping up to be even bigger

than the ones before.

Inspired by the ZUMBA® Fitness Program

and the success of the charity events, the

Camp Bling For Blue Scholarship, and

James and Kelsey, the community center

and M-NCPCC furthered their commitment

and built a therapeutic sensory room – a

helpful environment for those with autism

and other mental and cognitive challenges.

This unique community offering is the only

one in the state of Maryland.

James and Kelsey have continued to grow and expand their worlds with the help of

their community. They’ve been included as special guests for local grand openings,

singing their signature songs “What a

Wonderful World,“ and “Over the Rainbow.”

They’ve traveled to other autistic charity events

out of state, and Kelsey even had the unique

experience of visiting The Band Perry (a

national country music band) backstage and

singing for a group at the concert.

James is now able to speak in complete

sentences and is much more focused. When his

favorite recording artist Pitbull comes on, you

can see the joy come over his entire body-

communication that even a little while ago may have been challenging. He is

employed at the National Institute for Health and commutes on his own daily.

Kelsey has entered an occupational-based learning program, and is thriving with her

newfound confidence; she loves reaching out to friends and family on Facebook!

While they still may depend on others, they are now more independent and social than

they were before.

With all that James and Kelsey have gained, I

know that those around them have gained

much more. An entire community came

together to support James and Kelsey. We

grew together. We came to realize what we

could accomplish when we work together

toward a worthwhile goal. All this, started by

the ZUMBA® fitness program!

Our journey has not ended. None of us ever know for sure what life holds in store, but

I know mine will continue to include the inspiration of ZUMBA® fitness. There’s no limit

on where you can go if you let it move you™.

Everything happens for a reason.

IT’S A WONDERFUL WORLD!

Debi Bevins

CEO & Founder of BLING it ON Fitness

Come Share in our Wonder! Join us for our 3rd annual Unmasking Autism Charity event on April 17th. For additional

information on the Camp BLING for BLUE Scholarship visit www.blingitonfitness.com.

Change your body, your outlook, and help your community do the same!