Mt. Vernon Jazzercise recently raised $500 for Gifts of Hope, an alternative gift-giving program that serves as an intermediary between donors and organizations serving individuals and families in need in the D.C. metro area and internationally. The fundraiser was part of a specialty class to celebrate a milestone anniversary of one of their long-time instructors — Harmony Allen Barbera.

“Harmony has been teaching Jazzercise for 20 years and we wanted to celebrate the occasion by having a dance party,” said Mindy LaBruno, owner of the Mt. Vernon Jazzercise location. “It was Harmony’s idea to do raise some money for a cause near to her heart. Obviously we are very passionate about the health and fitness of our students, but we are also passionate about our community.”

All of the money raised will help provide homeless and low-income women in the D.C. area with nutritious food.

Visit jazzercise.com.