Amigos for Kids joins PepsiCo’s ‘Smart Spot Dance!’.

Miami-based child advocacy organization Amigos for Kids recently joined “Dancing with the Stars” actor Mario Lopez and Broadway choreographer Maria Torres for Smart Spot Dance! a PepsiCo initiative to promote healthy lifestyle habits among urban and Latino communities.

Smart Spot Dance! kicked off this year’s four-day National Council of La Raza (NCLR) conference, which drew thousands of participants to the Miami Beach Convention Center (July 21-24). Amigos for Kids volunteers and clients received a warm welcome from NCLR President Janet Murguía and PepsiCo Vice President of Community Affairs David Gonzales before joining in the 30-minute celebrity-led dance.

The Smart Spot Dance tour is a PepsiCo health and wellness initiative centered on the Smart Spot Symbol – the green dot of the Smart Choices Made Easy program indicating products that promote a healthier lifestyle. Part of a national tour, the dance program is focused on targeting and educating urban communities, particularly mothers, on the benefits of dancing as exercise. In addition to the dance, a dietician was on hand to educate participants about the value of a nutritious diet and teaching them tips for cooking healthier, lighter meals.

“Our mission is to promote a safe and healthy environment for children,” said Rosa Maria Plasencia, executive director of Amigos for Kids. “It makes perfect sense to take part in this effort to raise awareness among urban communities about the importance of eating right and getting exercise, even if it means doing something as basic and fun as dancing.”

In its continued commitment to assist South Florida’s abused, abandoned, and less fortunate children, Amigos for Kids has been leading an array of programs since its founding in 1991. Initiatives include an after-school program at Jose Martí Park in Little Havana, the “Amigos Strengthens Families and Communities” program to increase awareness on child abuse prevention and child safety, the Blue Ribbon Campaign of activities throughout April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the annual Miami Celebrity Domino Night, the organization’s signature fundraiser.