Fitness Class Raises $2,100 For Chewstick
Local fitness class Fierce Funk Fitness, also known as F3, has raised $2,100 in a special fundraising event for the Chewstick Foundation, whose premises recently suffered severe damage in the fire on Front Street.
The event, held on July 26 at Somersfield Academy Gymnasium, attracted close to 100 fitness enthusiasts who paid admission to attend the event and donated extra to assist the arts charity who lost both their physical space and many belongings after the fire.
The fundraiser was called Soca vs Reggae and encouraged attendees to dress in the colours of their Cup Match team while exercising for charity.
It was the brainchild of F3 creator Jasmine Desilva [pictured], who is known for using her fitness platform to donate to various causes such as Relay for Life, Melange Breast Cancer charity and Gaynette Edwards’ kidney fundraiser for her father.
DJ Record Spin played reggae and soca tunes for the workout while attendees danced along with Ms Desilva for more than an hour, providing aide for Chewstick at the same time.
Ms Desilva says: “F3 is not just a fitness class, it’s a moment of release, a moment of self-focus, it’s a sweaty hour of fun. Pairing this with the ability to raise money for charities and individuals in need within the community will never get old.”
“I was devastated to hear about Chewstick’s loss in the fire and I immediately decided to use my class as a vehicle to raise funds for them. Chewstick is a fantastic organization where so many Bermudians go to express themselves and I hope the money we raised helps them restore their space.”
Gavin Smith, Chewstick Foundation Founder and Executive Director, said, “It is wonderful to see so many members of the community speaking up and moving to action to donate funds to the Chewstick Foundation at this critical time.
“We cannot operate without donations from the public and corporate community, and as a result of the fire, we are forced to change our direction, and in many ways start over. On behalf of The Chewstick Foundation, I would like to thank Jasmine and everyone who attended the fundraiser for their contribution.”
Fierce Funk Fitness is a high intensity dance cardio workout. With moves choreographed by fitness enthusiast and creator Ms Desilva, F3 combines your favorite club bangers with a fusion of reggae, soca and hip-hop.
Classes are held at CedarBridge Academy’s dance studio for the month of August on Wednesdays and Saturdays. For more information on F3 or Ms Desilva, please visit Facebook or email fiercefunkfitness@gmail.com.
Well done Jasmine and everyone invovled for supporting Chewstick as it rebuilds such an important space for Bermudian creativity.