On Sunday, February 2, the Gems Not Genocide club hosted the ‘Second Annual Zumbathon Fundraiser’ at Harriton High School to raise awareness about the ongoing genocide in Darfur. Three hours of zumba lessons, jewelry sales, and refreshments attracted many Harriton students, parents, and community members. The goal of the event was to raise money and awareness about the genocide in Darfur.

Genocide is defined as the mass murder of a culture of people. Darfur–located in western Sudan–has been the target of Arab militias known as the Janjaweed (devils on horseback) since 2003. The inhabitants of Darfur have endured destruction, rape, and countless massacres. Harriton students started the Gems Not Genocide club in order to help stop the genocide in Darfur.

The Gems Not Genocide club decided to hold the Zumbathon fundraiser for a second year because of its great success in 2013. To advertise the event, the club members spent hours on flyers, which were printed and hung around Harriton and public places throughout the Lower Merion School District community. The club sent email blasts to parents and family members and advertised the event on social media networks and the school website. Grocery stores donated food for Zumbathon participants and zumba instructors volunteered to teach lessons at the event.

The event consisted of three, hour-long zumba lessons during which participants could come and go as they pleased. The lessons were held in the Highlander Gym at Harriton, while jewelry and refreshments were sold outside in the hallway. The admission fee was $10 for Harriton students and $15 for all other participants. The Zumbathon provided a fun and relaxing way for members of the Lower Merion community to socialize, workout, and raise money for an important cause!

The jewelry that was sold at the event also raised a lot of money and awareness. With each purchase, customers were given a pamphlet about Darfur to inspire others to help put the genocide to an end.

Gems Not Genocide raised over $1,300 at the Second Annual Zumbathon! Jenny Langer, a Harriton senior and Gems Not Genocide club member, said, “After the event I was very pleased. We had a lot of people come out: boys, girls, students, and adults.”

The Zumbathon was a great success, as it raised awareness about and money for the genocide in Darfur. Make sure to keep a look out for upcoming Gems Not Genocide events!