KEAUHOU — Beneath the flashing lights at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa, dozens of dancers jammed to the beat, their neon lighting up the dance floor to raise awareness of an issue too often pushed into the dark.
Saturday night, Zumba dancers from around the island attended “Light the Night” a fundraiser to raise awareness about domestic violence and to benefit the West Hawaii Domestic Abuse Shelter, a 24/7, 21-bed crisis center.
Besides all the dancing, the event also featured a silent auction for a gourmet dinner cooked by the Sheraton Kona Resort’s executive chef as well as a raffle for prizes from area businesses.
“We didn’t want it to be something that was sad or serious,” said Ronnie Claveran, a Zumba instructor and one of the organizers for the event on the purpose behind pairing the serious issue of domestic violence with the joyful loudness of Zumba.“We wanted to empower women.”
Brittany Claveran, Ronnie’s daughter and a survivor of domestic violence, said the event captured that empowering spirit.
“I feel like it’s almost like ‘there’s a light at the end of the tunnel,’ she said. “It shows you there’s so much more.”
Brittany Claveran also said she hopes the event encourages more victims of domestic violence to speak out and escape their situation.
“You have to say something,” she said.
It’s an issue that reaches far beyond Hawaii. Nationwide, about 20 people are abused by their partners every minute, according to National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Waimea resident Lana Incillio was another survivor at Saturday’s event.
Incillio said she struggled with addiction and abusive relationships before she was able to get out.
Today, she’s in her third semester at Hawaii Community College — Palamanui, where she’s studying human services to be a social worker.
She’s also looking to establish a shelter in the North Kohala area.
Incillio said women in abusive relationships there might not have transportation to the West Hawaii shelter, highlighting the need for a northern facility.
She added that in October, a domestic violence vigil and walk is scheduled to take place in Waimea, where participants will walk from one end of town to the other.
Organizers for that event are hoping to involve high school seniors in the area as well as the town’s husbands and fathers.
Of Saturday’s event, she said Zumba “brings the harmony” to the issue.
“This is a harmonious event,” she said.
Many of those who came out said they loved Zumba — a high energy aerobic fitness program that dances and moves to Latin American dance music — and were glad to be able to support the night’s cause.
“Zumba is always positive,” said Hilo resident Wainani Lee. “It’s positive people, positive atmosphere.”
Lee said domestic violence is an “all around island concern,” and that nearly everyone knows someone who’s been affected by it.
“We lose too much people to domestic violence,” she said.
And anything that brings attention to the issue, she said, is one that she can support.
Christina Basham, program supervisor at Child and Family Service, was staffing an information table about the shelter in front of the doors to the ballroom where the event took place.
She said the turnout for the event was very good, adding that several people stopped by to talk at the table.
“I think it’s great,” she said.
The center accepts physical donations. Basham said the center is especially looking for slippers of all sizes, backpacks, pillows and blankets, as well as full-size toiletries. Donations should be new.
Gift cards to retail stores are also welcome.
“Taxi vouchers are always in need,” she added.
While Zumba might seem to be an unorthodox way to fundraise for a crisis center, Child and Family Service director of West Hawaii island programs Wally Shrinski said it still accomplishes its goal.
“Events like this may seem indirectly related, but it’s an effort for continual community awareness so it doesn’t fade away,” he said.
In the past, domestic violence was all too often “hidden in the family closet.”
That exacerbates the problem, he said, especially when there are children involved who might go on to enter abusive relationships themselves.
“Somewhere along the line, the cycle has to be broken,” he said.