To the editor:

Asking for help is not easy. We figured it would be a major challenge to mount a charity fundraising campaign this winter. But Whidbey Islanders are stepping up to the plate to assist others and build community.

Due to support from local business owners, artists and others, we have created a silent auction to raise funds for Dance4Life, a global campaign to inspire, mobilize and unite young people to push back HIV and AIDS. It is truly humbling and uplifting to have so many of you contribute to this important cause. Thank you.

More than 80 items and gift certificates are on display in the lobby of Island Athletic Club in Freeland. And the general public — you — are invited to stop by and bid on these unique auction items, big and small; hand-crafted journals, quilts, jewelry and framed art by our members as well as certificates for massages, acupuncture, equipment rental, advance planning and other services. The auction continues through Sunday, Feb. 15.

And even after the auction officially ends, we will be accepting financial donations for Dance4Life this month. We do this every winter in conjunction with the Les Mills Body Jam program.

If you have not yet tried a Body Jam class, it is a cardio workout for all ages that is an addictive fusion of the latest dance moves and hottest new sounds that put the emphasis as much on having fun as breaking a sweat. We’ll teach you how to move with attitude, and we firmly believe that everyone can dance!

So stop by Island Athletic Club, check out the auction that your community has created and consider joining us to get high on the feeling of dance.

Chizue Rudd

IAC Fitness director and Body Jam instructor

Sarah Birger and Jane Gerlach

Body Jam instructors