Editor’s note: There was a small misprint. Last year’s Dance Marathon raised $15,000, and the goal this year to raise more than $15,000.
A banner proclaiming “We stand up for those who can’t stand for themselves” was displayed in the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center (RFWC) at USI Nov. 5.
The banner hung amid a sea of students bopping their heads and shuffling their feet to a medley of music.
Students gathered together to dance the night away for six hours straight in honor of USI’s second annual dance marathon for Riley Children’s Hospital.
Wearing a purple T-shirt boasting the phrase “Too Legit to Sit”, freshman Shelby Spray was one of many participating in the event.
“It’s awesome that just coming out to dance can help people in need,” Spray said. “This marathon is about more than putting money into a box. It’s about making a difference.”
The marathon was founded at USI last year by Chelsea Taylor and raised $15,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network. Current Dance Marathon President Laura Everest hopes to see that number climb.
“Riley has always held a special place in my heart because the children I babysit have been treated there,” Everest said. “This marathon is a wonderful way to give back to an organization that gives so much.”
This year the dance committee turned court three of the RFWC into a jam packed fund raising party zone. They had rooms with activities including twister, ping pong, corn hole tournaments and even a line dancing lesson choreographed by Tiffany Kronmiller and Elizabeth Daake.
Along with providing plenty of activities to keep participants on their feet and out of their seats, the dance committee strove to highlight the driving force behind the marathon.
“We were very excited to bring Riley families out this year to give their testimonies,” Everest said. “It’s important for people to know exactly who and what their efforts are helping.”
The McQuays were one of the Riley families in attendance at the event. They came to share their testimony about how Riley changed their son John’s life.
John is one of six in the nation with the birth defect known as Basal Sphenoethmoidal Encephalocele. He is missing two of the bones which would help hold his brain in place. Without them his brain rests on his pallet rather than higher up in his skull.
“John was diagnosed by Riley and they worked with us to help us understand his condition,” mother Sarah McQuay said. “They actually listened to our concerns and they did their best to meet our needs.”
It is because of the dedication that Riley Children’s Hospital showed to the McQuay family that they decided to join its foundation.
“We want to educate people about John’s condition,” McQuay said “We also want to let them know about all of the services that Riley provides for people in situations similar to ours.”
The $10 registration fee and all of the proceeds collected at the dance marathon are given to the Riley foundation. The funds raised help back all of the services which Riley provides for families who have children in treatment.
“When you’re put into a position where someone you love needs care the last thing you want to worry about is how to pay the bills,” McQuay said. “These fundraisers make it possible to focus your energy where it needs to be, on helping the ones you love get better.”
