It was a dance party in West Hartford Saturday evening as dozens came together for Ana Marquez-Greene, a young girl many at the event never met but who affected them deeply.
Ana was one of the 26 victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. She grew up in Hartford and spent her time playing at Elizabeth Park where just last week, on what would have been her eighth birthday, a new purple playground was dedicated.
So Carla Butler began the Dance for Ana with Love Zumbathon Charity event last year after finding out how much Ana loved music and loved to dance.
"I read a tribute to Ana from mom and dad, and they said that she never walked because her mode of transportation was to dance," said Butler.
"Everybody has just stepped right up," said organizer Diana Stephens. "Everybody loves Sandy Hook. Everyone loves the Newtown victims, and we just want to continue to show the support to everybody."
Every penny raised goes to the Ana Grace Project, which works to build connections in communities, prevent violence, and help victims. For the people dancing it was a way to show how important Ana is to them.
"It's love. It's love. Mom's message is 'love wins,' and that's what this is showing: that people love," said Butler.
You can visit the Ana Grace Project online.
