Dancers, workout enthusiasts and everyone else are invited to come light up the evening Saturday in Keauhou with Zumba instructors from around the island in the name of stopping domestic violence and raising funds to support West Hawaii’s domestic abuse
Dancers, workout enthusiasts and everyone else are invited to come light up the evening Saturday in Keauhou with Zumba instructors from around the island in the name of stopping domestic violence and raising funds to support West Hawaii’s domestic abuse shelters.
“It will be a huge Light up the Night glow party with dancing, fun, friendships, empowerment. Men, women of all ages and children will attend,” said Ronnie Claveran, who along with Alex Mitchell, Renee Morinaka and Rod Watai, make up Dance 4 Action. “We want people to attend to bring awareness and stop domestic violence and have fun.”
From 4:30-8 p.m., the Keauhou Convention Center at Sheraton Kona Resort will become a “glow” party where attendees can get a great dance workout to music by DJ Eric Ching while supporting our ohana who need safe and comfortable havens when fleeing domestic violence.
There’s also a plethora of prizes donated by local businesses, including a silent auction for a dinner brought and prepared at your home by Sheraton Kona Resort Executive Chef George Gomes and Rays on the Bay Chef Junior Ulep.
“By attending this amazing, fun Zumba event you get to take part in supporting women who need a voice they are scared to use. You’re helping support a place where these women can turn to, and be the push they so desperately need to get the help they deserve,” a Big Island woman who survived 8.5 years of domestic abuse said.
West Hawaii Today is withholding her identity because she is a victim of domestic violence and referring to her as “Mea Ola,” the Hawaiian word for survivor.
“So grab your friends and come enjoy a great night of dancing for an amazing cause,” she said.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ecxipdo8b528a018&llr=cxnk5cqab.
Net proceeds benefit the 24/7, 21-bed crisis West Hawaii Domestic Abuse Shelter. The temporary shelter, operated by nonprofit Child and Family Service, offers women and children up to 120 days a safe haven when fleeing from domestic violence. Basic needs like food and clothing, counseling support and services for children, are also offered.
Last year, the Kona facility served 147 women and children, according to the shelter’s management. It is funded through the state Department of Human Services and other funders, and as is assisted by the community and various organizations and agencies with donations of items like toiletries, backpacks and school supplies.
An information booth with representatives from the West Hawaii shelter will be at the event, “in case anyone needs information,” said Claveran.
According to a National Census of Domestic Violence Services conducted Sept. 16, 2015, in which 13 of 19 identified domestic violence programs in Hawaii responded, 393 domestic violence victims were served during the 24-hour period. Of those, 170, including 80 children, found refuge in emergency shelters or transitional housing offered by the local programs.
Another 323 adults and children received nonresidential assistance like counseling and legal advocacy that day. Hotlines operated by the local programs answered 131 calls — more than five per hour.
Nationally, the nonprofit National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute, equating to more than 10 million abuse victims annually. One in three women and one in four men have been physically abused by an intimate partner.
Through last Friday, Aug. 19, there have been 393 people arrested for abuse of a family or household member in Hawaii County, according to the Hawaii Police Department. In 2015, there were 656 arrests, 703 in 2014, and 623 in 2013.
Despite the abuse, victims stay in relationships for a variety of reasons including having children, being financially dependent on the abuse and having nowhere to go to fear that the abuser’s violent behavior will escalate and believing they will change, according to the coalition.
Mea Ola said she ended the “toxic relationship” she was in for more than eight years about five years ago.
“For years, I lied to everyone that ever questioned if I was in an abusive relationship. While all the marks and bruises would always heal, the mental abuse always lingered in my mind. It changed me, it made me dark for a period of time and I had a hard time finding my way out,” she said. “But because I had such loving parents, family, and amazing friends I found myself. I remember the day I decided enough was enough and stood up for myself despite how scared I was inside, and because I had that solid support system I made it out.”
And ensuring others in the same dark spot have support to make a better life is why she wants to people to take part in Saturday’s Zumbathon.
“There are so many women in the world that don’t have that, they don’t have anyone to turn to, they’re alone, scared, and just broken inside. Because I once knew the feeling of being alone, I feel it’s so important to step up for those people out there who are too scared to stand up for themselves,” she said.
Bringing the event to reality took about two years, said Claveran. It’s a means to give back to the community, and help those needing support.
“Once I got involved in Zumba as a ZIN (instructor) and met these awesome ladies who had the same feelings as I did I knew we could do anything if we put our efforts and passions together,” Claveran said in an email. “Sitting at dinner together we said it’s time and right away we had a date and ideas flying. Domestic violence has always been an important issue since I personally have gone through it years ago and people very close to me.”
If you are a victim of domestic violence, contact Child Family Service’s 24-hour hotline for information and referrals, support groups, and transportation and support services. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached by callling (800)799-SAFE (7233).
Want to get involved in supporting the West Hawaii shelter, call 323-2664 and ask for Christina.
Info: Search “Dance 4 Action” on Facebook.
