This year USI is taking the movement and shimmying it towards children in need with their second annual Dance Marathon.
The Dance Marathon is a charity event, taking place in November, that is used to raise awareness and funds for the Children’s Miracle Network. The organization at USI decided to work specifically with Riley Children’s Hospital.
During the event, participants stand on their feet in any way, whether it be just standing or actually dancing for six hours to show support to the families and children of Riley’s.
The Dance Marathon had been attempted before at USI, but due to unknown reasons, did not get very far in the planning process. The very first successful USI Dance Marathon was started last year by Chelsea Taylor.
“We met for an entire year before we had our first event,” junior art and communications major Laura Everest said. “We had several set backs for the past two years in regard to committee size and the lack of knowledge on campus.”
Last year, USI Dance Marathon raised over $15,000, all of which went directly to Riley Children’s Hospital.
This year the Dance Marathon organization is hoping to create awareness throughout campus by bringing a more competitive style to the event. Starting within the next couple months, teams will be able to register to compete in the event.
“We’re definitely bringing a more competitive atmosphere into it,” sophomore engineering major Nick Mathis said. “We’re playing off of that to gain more interest.”
The organization wants students to know that it’s not all about dancing. It’s an opportunity to spend time with friends, play games and have fun, all while raising awareness at the same time.
“Relay For Life is huge in the spring,” Mathis said. “This could be the fall philanthropy.”
Currently, the Dance Marathon organization is in the process of planning out the details of the event. They are working on committees to organize the entertainment, activities, and team registration process. The tentative date for the event is set for Nov. 5. At this point they are just waiting for the final approval.
“My goal is not really concerned with the money we raise, but with the awareness we create and the excitement we get throughout campus to keep it continuing,” Everest said.
