A table was set up with prize give-aways and raffle tickets in the Hummingbird on Jan. 10 for the charity organization known as Dance Marathon. Members of Dance Marathon accepted money donations and sold koozies, t-shirts and themed cups. Members also provided information about Dance Marathon to anyone interested.
Dance marathon is a national organization that includes over 100 colleges. Each participating college collects money all year-round for The Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. Mercer University is one of those participating colleges and has been a part of Dance Marathon for approximately eight years. .
This year, senior Ellen Begley is the director and has been a part of the executive board for the past three years.
“Last year we raised over $15,000 which was probably the most I have seen since I’ve been on the executive board. This year we are trying to match it or go up and beyond it.” Begley said.
Since the organization developed, Dance Marathon has raised enough money to help renovate the neonatal unit in The Children’s Miracle Network hospital.
The fundraiser on Jan. 10 was just one of many events held all year by Dance Marathon and will continue until late February.
A celebration of all the money raised throughout the year will be in the form of an end-of-the-year event held on Feb. 23.
Volunteers and participants at this event can dance, play games, and create arts and crafts. There will be a group choreographed dance and teams can compete against each other in friendly competition during the games. At the very end of the event, a laptop that was donated by Intel will be raffled off.
People who are interested in participating can stop by the Dance Marathon table in the Connell Student Center. The table will be there every Wednesday and Friday between 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
“Anybody on Mercer’s campus who wants to do it, is welcome. Each participant is expected to raise about $50. A team can also sponsor Dance Marathon and will be expected to raise about $250.” Begley said.
Anyone who is interested in joining the Dance Marathon executive board will need to participate in the final event.
Dance Marathon hosts fundraiser as it preps for upcoming event
