Kids, parents and dance enthusiasts  shook their “moneymakers” for a good cause at a Zumbathon in the Wareham High School gymnasium this past Sunday.

Benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association, the event was organized by Liz Pothel Pereira, who teaches Zumba, an aerobic workout that incorporates Latin dance and hip hop, at the Wareham YMCA. 

When Pothel Pereira saw many people in her personal life being affected by Alzheimer’s disease, she decided to Zumba for a cause.

She recalled carrying her friend’s father, who suffered from Alzheimer’s into a wheelchair, and helping him into a van.

“I just thought you lost your memory…I didn’t know it could affect someone that much.”

Pothel Pereira brought in fellow Zumba instructors from all over Massachusetts, a departure from past Zumbathons where she used only instructors from Wareham.

The deejay spun records for three hours, and the event raised $1,250 as 79 participants of all ages - many wearing purple to  support Alzheimer’s research - danced up a storm.