The Newtown Athletic Club is urging everyone to “ditch the workout and join the party” this Saturday for a Zumbathon event to raise money for ALS research.

International Zumba Instructor Kass Martin will lead the Zumbathon. According to information from the Newtown Athletic Club, Kass is one of the top three Zumba instructors in the world and appears next to Beto Perez, the creator of Zumba, on worldwide tours and appearances. 

The event is open to the public and will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Brown Gym at the NAC. Admission is $35 and all proceeds to ALS research.

Those who register in advance will be eligible to win a $200 gift certificate to the NAC’s Urban Allure Salon & Spa. To pre-register, go to  www.naczumbathon.eventbrite.com or call 215-968-0600 x 112.  Same day walk–ins are welcome but not eligible for the prize drawing.

According to Linda Mitchell, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at the NAC, “Kass Martin is truly a Zumba celebrity and we are lucky to have her commitment to this event.”

“The Newtown Athletic Club is dedicated to this cause in honor of not only all those who are and have been affected by this debilitating disease, but in particular for Augie Nieto,” a press release from the NAC said.  

Nieto, the founder of LifeFitness Equipment, was diagnosed with ALS in 2005 and has since raised over 30 million dollars to find a cure, the NAC press release said.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“Augie is still fighting his battle against ALS, but has committed his life to finding a cure.  We stand behind him and the millions of people affected either themselves or their loved ones,” the release said.

To learn more, visit www.augiesquest.org.