The inspirational stories here at Artz HQ are rolling in by the bucket-full right now, and we cannot wait to tell you all about our next brilliantly successful Artz Enterprise project: Caitlin’s ZUMBATHON.
That’s right! Last Monday, our very own Senior Musical Student of the Year, the fabulous Caitlin Porter-Bimpson, went live on the internet, to deliver 3 HOURS worth of Zumba classes.
Caitlin zumba’d her way through a whopping 6 sessions, aimed at fellow Artz students, littler ones, parents and even Artz staff! The sessions were streamed throughout the morning across Facebook live and Zoom; and we are beyond proud of the planning, effort and delivery of this Artz Enterprise project by Caitlin.
The live videos are still available to be viewed at:
I caught up with Caitlin after her big Zumbathon to see how she found the whole experience…
Claire: Hey Caitlin! Wow, we are so proud of you, what a success! Are you all Zumba’d out now?
Caitlin: Now that it is over, I feel very proud that I have raised money for a much needed cause. And I’m raising more money in the next few days! I feel very proud of myself and so happy that I made it all the way through!
Claire: You should feel SO proud! But what gave you the idea for a Zumbathon in the first place?!
Caitlin: At first, I had no idea what I could do for a fundraiser, but then I thought, what am I experienced in? And I thought, Zumba! I used to go to Zumba classes regularly, and thought it would be a great idea to do something that’s not just fun for me, but fun for others, too!
Claire: It certainly was a whole lot of fun!! But can you tell us a little more about why you thought it was important to raise money for the Artz Centre?
Caitlin: I thought it was important to raise money for the Artz Centre because I just love it there! It is such an amazing place for the community, and it brings people together. If it was to close, I’m really not sure what I would do! The Artz Centre have brought out confidence in me that I never thought I had, they have helped me to grow as a person, and they have given me so many opportunities and experiences, that I have loved! Also, I am just one, of so many people, who come to the Centre because it is a place where we feel we can be ourselves and express our feelings. So if the Centre was to have to close, and to take all that away from people, well I think that would be heartbreaking for a lot of us.
Claire: What an honest and heartfelt answer Caitlin, I have tears in my eyes! Now, planning and delivering an event is tough stuff, we know ’cause we do lots of them, and you did this pretty much all on your own! What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt over the past few weeks planning your project?
Caitlin: You are right, it is very difficult! However, I think the most important thing I have learnt over the past few weeks is to make sure what you are planning to do is fun for other people, not just yourself. If an event or project isn’t fun, then you might not raise as much money. Also, one thing I have learned from the “Live on Facebook” scenario is… to just be yourself! Don’t put on an act, just be yourself in every way possible, because that is how people end up having the most fun and loving you!
Claire: What great advice! And what was the hardest moment of planning/doing your Zumbathon?
Caitlin: I mean, it was difficult doing three hours of exercise! But, for me, the hardest thing was definitely the live element and talking to the camera. I am quite socially awkward, and I don’t usually like talking that much, so it felt quite hard for me to know what to say to the camera and to keep people entertained and things like that!
Claire: Well, we all think you did a fabulous job of it! And you joined the Artz Enterprise call with Lord Andrew Mawson last week didn’t you, what was that like?
Caitlin: The Zoom call with Lord Mawson was really helpful and positive! I loved it, Lord Mawson was so helpful towards my project, he gave me so many ideas for the future and he was also very inspirational!
Claire: We are so so proud of you Caitlin! What a superstar. Can you some up your whole Zumbathon experience in just one word?
Caitlin: FANTABULOUS!!!
Claire: Yes! An excellent choice. And finally, can we look forward to more Zumbathons? Or maybe something different?!
Caitlin: I may do more Zumba in the future, or maybe something different than exercise, so I don’t ache like I am now right now… and don’t get as sunburnt!!
A truly tremendous effort from Caitlin, that has raised an incredible £230 so far for the Artz Centre, and the total is rising!
Well done Caitlin, you can now give those Zumba-feet a well earnt rest!
#ArtzEnterprise #ArtzFamily #ArtzCente #Zumbathon #Challenge #SponsoredZumba #AimHigh
