- September 20, 2024
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Veronica Scott, Evelyn Montas-Toya, Lydia Greear, Xenia Preveziotis, Grace Goodman, Darla H. Bernath, Nancy White and Jill Preston led dance instruction. Photo by Sarah Fall.
Michelle Present, Annie Kiesel and Ruby Mulero. Photo by Sarah Fall
Poet Judy Sheldon's verses were printed on Dance not War T-shirts. Photo by Sarah Fall
A Palm Coast woman, who was born and raised in Greece, organized a dance event on March 18 that raised $4,000 to help Ukrainian refugees.
Xenia Preveziotis has been a wellness and dance teacher at Fitness One, in Flagler Beach, and other locations since 2001. The event’s proceeds are being sent to IRC Refugees of Ukraine, in Poland.
She was pleased with the local participation.
“The response was beautiful,” she said. “Through a dignified and heartwarming event, I shared traditional dancing and culture. I am grateful to all who donated.”
Fellow dance instructors at the gym also helped, along with musicians Michelle Present and Anne Kiesel, and poet Judy Sheldon, whose verses were printed on Dance not War T-shirts. Present sponsored the T-shirts, which were printed by Big Frog. Other artists and businesses also donated raffle items.
Communications Manager Maegan Noble said Fitness One often raises funds for charitable causes, but they're usually local. This fundraiser was international, but, she said, "the war in Ukraine spoke to so many of our members and staff who wanted to help."
The hope was to raise $500, and they ended up with $4,036. "We never imagined we'd raise that much money," Noble added.
To donate, visit https://www.rescue.org/topic/ukraine-crisis.
