WOODLAND HILLS : Aerob-a-thon Raises Funds for MDA Research

Jerry Lewis never looked this good, but he would have been proud.

Sixty hard bodies sweated Wednesday night to the latest hip-hop tunes--all in the name of muscular dystrophy research.

Aerobic enthusiasts gathered at L.A. Fitness, where the Woodland Hills workout center hosted an Aerob-a-thon to raise money for neuromuscular disease research. The event was the first of its kind held in the San Fernando Valley, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Assn.

Health club General Manager Chris Colb said he was thrilled with the $2,000 raised, although the total fell short of the $2,500 goal. He plans to host another Aerob-a-thon next year.

Aerobic coordinators, gym members and interested guests paid a $15 entry fee and were responsible for raising at least $25 in pledges. Individuals who raised the most money were awarded a mountain bike or free six-month membership.

The Muscular Dystrophy Assn. hopes to raise $46 million in contributions this year throughout the United States, according to Carla Macy, district director. Last year, $3.1 million was raised throughout Southern California.

Macy said in addition to research, contributions from the Aerob-a-thon went to muscular dystrophy treatment clinics throughout Los Angeles County and to the group’s summer camp for children.

K.C. Lee, corporate coordinator with L.A. Fitness, said the Aerob-a-thon attracted participants because it was a “fun way” to raise money for a good cause.

“We wanted to do everything we could as a fitness center to support this kind of thing,” Lee said.

Robert Davi, a Woodland Hills resident and actor known for performances in “Die Hard” and “Licensed to Kill,” said he attended the event because he grew up watching Jerry Lewis telethons.

“Now I have three children of my own, and to think of them having any kind of disease is frightening,” Davi said. “It’s silly not to support something this important.”

The event began with a workout-wear fashion show.

National aerobic champion Linda Bell of Riverside teamed up with aerobic dancer Denise Jones to perform and to lead a class of 60.

Aerob-a-thon participants fueled their out-of-breath bodies with black bean tacos, chunky salsa, vegetarian pizza and other dishes contributed by area businesses.

“She talked me into signing up,” said Jeff Lindsey, a Thousand Oaks resident who participated in the event with L.A. Fitness aerobics instructor Verda Fitzpatrick.

“I wanted him to get involved,” said Fitzpatrick. “It was a healthy way for us to help people.”