I have been very lucky in my life. I have crossed paths with lots of amazing people. Maybe they’ll never be famous but their contribution to the world is one that holds a value greater than most. I met Shannon Brennan because our sons were on the same soccer team. It’s one of those situations where you make “friends” based on your circumstances and maybe next year the only time you’ll see them in passing at Target. I liked Shannon immediately. She seemed comfortable in her own skin and very approachable. We did become friends. Even though over nearly three years have passed since we met and our sons are no longer on the same team, I still call her my friend. Shannon is a very special person.

Aside from the great act of just being my friend Shannon is a great many other things:

~a wife to a husband who is in the Navy.

~ a mom to two boys (I KNOW what that’s like so GINORMOUS Kudos to her)

~ a cake decorator

~ a Zumba instructor

~ and is always there any time someone needs a helping hand.

When Shannon came to me and asked if I’d be interested in photographing a Zumba event for her, I said absolutely. I didn’t even know what it really was. That’s how awesome she is. I just said an emphatic YES!

Shannon had gotten together with her pals and I was about to be introduced to them. The Zlicious Mamaz. This is a group of Zumba instructors in the Marysville area. It’s like I discovered this little secret community that I never could ave imagined existed. These women each on their own are pretty awesome. Each one of them brings something to the table that is special and as I get to know them better, I feel even more honored to be associated with them. They operate like a little family supporting each other at every turn in their work and everyday lives. What they do, when they come together is pretty special.

The first event they put together was a fundraiser for Breast Cancer and I would be volunteering a photo booth at this event. I know very few people who have not been touched in some way by breast cancer … it is a very raw and current concern for me. My very good friend’s mother is suffering from it and has only a short time left on this Earth. I feel helpless. While this was something I’d have been happy to do for Shannon, it was also some tiny little thing that I could do for my friend and her mother. The event was such a great success. They invited friends, Zumba classes and more to come & work it out on the dance floor while raising money for a good cause. They came, they danced and they raised a lot of money! It was wonderful. I can’t tell you how surprised I was at not only the turn out but just how every single person in the room gave it their all. I was inspired by the heart of everyone there. Of course … I couldn’t help but dance around when no one was looking. 😉

After pulling off such a flawless event, they decided to do another fundraiser. This time they supported a new cause. The danced again, sweating to some pretty awesome music, sparkling and jingling away to raise funds for the Domestic Violence Center. This time I got to hang out all night with a super fit body building Santa.

They worked so hard to bring it all together for a good cause. You can’t imagine just how much goes into pulling something like this off!

Once again, it exceeded my expectations and it inspired me to think of more ways I can give and do what I love. They get t have fun with their friends, get healthy and raise money for amazing causes! I don’t know what they’re going to do next but keep an eye out because I hope to see you there. They’re changing the world by dancing away one event at a time.