Dancing for the Cure

While some people race for cures, one team participating in this summer's Relay for Life event in Newark is inviting the community to dance for the cure.

The 13 members of the Kruzin' for the Cure team are gearing up to host a charity dinner and dance on Saturday. The event begins at 7 p.m., and tickets are $20.

The event is part of the team's hefty goal of raising up to $15,000 for the American Cancer Society through their participation in Newark's Relay for Life event, which will be held July 9 and 10.

It is the first time the team is hosting a dinner and dance. Chicken will be served and live music will play through the night at the Newark Portuguese Sports Club on Thornton Avenue.

Most of the team is made up of Newark and Fremont residents. They formed the group through their friendships and participation in a Bay Area-based bicycle club called KRUZ3RMOB, which was founded in 2009.
 
Team members said they have participated in Relay for Life events for years, but last year was the first time they worked collaboratively.

The joint effort worked. In 2010, the team raised $10,000, making them the highest fundraising team at last year's Newark event.

As of Tuesday, the team has raised $1,620. They have 73 more days to reach their goal.

Team members credited their competitive drive and innovative ways to raise funds for their success in 2010.

Team captain Kirsten Marshall called each of her team members self-motivated.

"We're competitive with each other," Marshall said.

Garage sales and a raffle bike giveaways were just two ways the team raised money in the past, said team member Amy Tuleen.

The team also worked with restaurants so that a percentage of proceeds generated in one night could be donated toward their team. The team will do that again on May 9 at Chili's in Fremont.

But participating in the 24-hour relay is not about the recognition for grossing the most donations.

The team said being able to give back to the community and contribute to a cause are just some of the reasons why they participate.

Cancer has hit the team hard—Tuleen and another member are both cancer survivors.

Tuleen, who was diagnosed in 2007, said the American Cancer Society has been a beam of support.

"They've helped me out in so many different ways. I wanted to give back to that organization that helped me," Tuleen said.

She added, "We all have our individual reasons why we participate. It's a personal commitment. It's a 24-hour thing. It is something dear to all of our hearts."

Team member Robert Simao added that his family, too, has been impacted by cancer.

"It's hit us now. It's hit us before," Simao said. "It's something that definitely hit home."

Marshall added, "It's everywhere, so it's great to help in some way."

Saturday's event is nearly sold out, but for more information on tickets, email the team at kruz3rmob@gmail.com. To donate to Kruzin' for the Cure's team, visit their fundraising page here.

For more information on Relay for Life in Newark or to start your own team, click here.