Resia Rinker, Charlotte Hawkey, and Shannon Baker

By MARLIES SELENT-WEST
Chautauqua-Wawasee

A great night for a great cause. Lakeside Fitness, Oakwood Resort and Chautauqua-Wawasee put together an Ultimate Dance & Zumba night that was held on Friday, Feb. 20 to help raise awareness and funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Ninety three women, men and children braved the sub-zero temperatures to come out for this event that was held at Oakwood’s Event Center. Nearly $1,300 was raised and donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

A heartfelt thank you to all those that participated in any way. Special thanks to Lakeside Fitness, Shannon Baker (one of our area’s premiere Zumba instructors) and the Oakwood Resort. In addition, thanks to our generous community for donating prizes:

• Lakeside Fitness
• Westmain Tavern
• Chautauqua-Wawasee
• IU Health – Goshen Home Medical
• Chautauqua-Wawasee
• Sleepy Owl
• Louie’s Bar and Grill
• The Frog Tavern
• Pizza King

Cystic Fibrosis is a chronic, hereditary, progressive disease that terminally affects the lungs and digestive system. Every day is a battle for those who suffer from this fatal disease; even the common cold can cause major problems. It is a sad reality for many parents that their CF child may not live to become an adult.

Four year-old Charlotte Hawkey is one of our area residents that has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Her mom, Chanelle, spoke to attendees about Charlotte’s CF story. If you would like to see Charlotte’s story, or see other ways that you can help Charlotte win this fight, visit www.chqw.org.