about the event

​In 2013, two Zumba® instructors in Portland, Oregon, decided to combine forces and create a one-of-a-kind event. A fitness fundraiser is nothing new, but this one would be located in one of Portland's most visible outdoor spaces: Pioneer Square.

For over a decade, Zumba Fitness ran a global initiative to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and research. Instructors all over the world who wanted to participate took it upon themselves to organize, market, and donate the funds from these feel-good Zumbathon® dance parties, and Zumba® lovers and newbies alike attend to work out for a great cause.

Portland's event, aptly named Pink Warrior PDX, has grown exponentially since its inception. In some years the all-volunteer team of organizers and participating instructors raised over $10,000 for the cause. After a break caused by the pandemic, we returned in 2023 for more joy, dance, and fundraising. We raised funds for Breast Friends of Oregon and the Pink Lemonade Project (below). 

ABOUT THE 2025 ORGANIZATIONS

Breast Friends

Since 2000, the nonprofit Breast Friends of Oregon has been providing emotional support to women diagnosed with breast cancer. Co-founders Becky Olson and Sharon Henifin, both breast cancer survivors, realized the need for an organization whose purpose was to reduce the sense of isolation and fear that often came with the diagnosis. Becky and Sharon set out to build a community of support that would fill the emotional needs of women from the time of diagnosis through thriving beyond.
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Today Breast Friends offers workshops, mentorship programs, walk-and-talk and traditional support groups, retreats, counseling, photography services, donations of supplies and accessories, and more that meet each woman with understanding and compassion.

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pink lemonade project

Pink Lemonade Project, a nonprofit formed in 2010, aims to educate, empower, and support all communities affected by breast cancer in Oregon and SW Washington. Their programs and services—including support groups and mentorship programs, among many others—offer emotional, educational, financial, and psychological support for patients, families, and caregivers in the region.
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Since the closure of the Susan G. Komen Oregon & SW Washington affiliate in March 2021, Pink Lemonade Project has continued to operate two of their locally grown programs: the Metastatic Breast Cancer Dinner Series and the Treatment Access Program (Toni Mountain Fund). They also are piloting a new screening program.

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ABOUT THE 2025 SPONSORS

Trailhead Credit Union

Trailhead Credit Union is not the cookie-cutter, same-as-a-million-others place to bank. When you join Trailhead, you become part of a financial cooperative, where individuals come together to reach financial goals. We empower members with opportunities, access, and solutions. Visit us at one of our three Portland locations or online at www.trailheadcu.org.

• Old Town 
• Division
• Mississippi

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CRUNCH FITNESS

Our local Crunch Fitness is a longtime sponsor of the event. The elements of Crunch's no-judgment philosophy include:

• Positivity. We are nurturers: we seek only to encourage, entertain, and empower.
• Inclusivity. Here we keep open minds. There is no one type or way in our diverse community. Come as you are!
• Fun. We know serious fitness is hard, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be an edge-of-your-seat, can’t-get-enough, look-forward-to-your-workouts party.

Stop by Crunch locations in Aloha, Division, Beaverton, and more!

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PACIFIC POWER

Pacific Power serves 800,000 customers in 243 communities across Oregon, Washington, and California. They strive to be the best energy company in serving their customers while delivering sustainable energy solutions. To achieve their vision, they're guided by their core principles (customer service, employee commitment, environmental respect, regulatory integrity, operational excellence, and financial strength) and a shared purpose of making the lives of their customers better every day.

Learn more about Pacific Power's initiatives at their website!

Zumba® and Zumbathon® are trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC, used under license. Photos courtesy Malaina Kinne Photography and Kenji Taylor.