Albasha restaurant hosted its first belly dancing fundraiser on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. Over a dozen dancers performed inside the dining room area and outside the restaurant in order to promote the Tangi Humane Society.

The event was coordinated by Morgan Marcum, belly dance instructor and junior psychology student, and her boyfriend of 10 years, Adam Hicks, senior sociology major and humane society volunteer.

“People can make a real difference anytime they want to just by helping out the humane society,” said Hicks. “The people that run the shelter are heroes to me. They are retirees that wake up at 3 a.m. to work. They could really use the help.”

The restaurant was packed as the dancers performed modern “fusion” and traditional folk belly dancing routines in an array of brightly colored costumes, while spectators sat down to dine on Greek and Lebanese cuisine.

“I feel good about it,” said dancer Lindory Dyson, a mass communication student. “I really like raising money and even though I’m enjoying this, I’m glad it’s for a good cause.”

“I had been wanting to belly dance since I was 17, and I started in 2009 at Southeastern,” said Dyson.

The Tangi Humane Society had a small table set up outside where people could drop off donations, either money or animal care supplies, or simply get some information about how they could help out.

Jennifer Lewallen, a quality control analyst for a chemical company and volunteer at the Humane society, was running the table.

“We were contacted by Adam saying they wanted to do a fundraiser. I love Albasha and wanted to support the people that support us,” Lewallen said.

According to Lewallen, the Humane society needs volunteers and welcomes students who would like to help out and get some community service time under their belts.

“Our main focus is to stop cruelty and neglectful situations, not necessarily picking up strays,” said Lewallen. “We’re a no-kill shelter and don’t really have the room.”

Marcum operates a dance studio across the street from Fayard Hall and is a regionally renowned belly dancer that has performed in movies, and also has released numerous instructional DVDs.

For more information about how to volunteer or donate to the Tangi Humane Society, contact  Lewallen at [email protected].

Information regarding Marcum’s studio and future belly dancing opportunities can be found at her Web site at www.boundlessfusion.com.