Decades ago, a Dance Marathon was an event where the last couple standing won a prize. That’s not what’s happening at Florida Atlantic University this year though.
Instead, FAU students will “Rock Around the Clock” in a 24-hour dance marathon to raise funds for local children’s hospitals through the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN).
Children’s Miracle Network is an international organization that benefits 170 nonprofit hospitals throughout the United States and Canada. It is dedicated to raising funds for and creating community awareness of the services provided by children’s hospitals.
The Dance Marathon, which begins Saturday, March 23 in the FAU Gymnasium, marks FAU‘s second year of participation in CMN’s national program. The non-stop dance action will be held in the Gymnasium on FAU‘s Boca Raton campus. Throughout the 24-hour event dancers will be entertained by an array of performances ranging from FAU‘s cheerleaders to dj’s spinning records. Also attending will be children and families who have received care from member hospitals. The public is invited to the marathon to cheer on the participants.
“The first Dance Marathon at FAU went very well,” said coordinator Amelia Johns-Hupp. “We had a great turnout and everyone had fun… The families really kept the dancers going and everyone in good spirits.”
CMN sponsors the dance marathon program at colleges and universities throughout the nation. The program began at Penn State in 1973 and now raises more than $3 million annually. In its first year of participation, FAU raised more than $2,500 for two Florida children’s hospitals. Dancers raise money by securing donations and pledges in advance. And one hundred percent of those funds will stay local to benefit hospitalized kids in the community.
But don’t think Dance Marathon is just a bunch of exhausted dancers draped over each other. It’s music, food, entertainment, excitement, and even some tears. Every year, tens of thousands of students around the country find it to be a personally satisfying experience.
Proceeds from the FAU Dance Marathon will go to support Johnson’s Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s in West Palm Beach and Shands Children’s Hospital at the University of Florida. Funds will be used to purchase medical equipment, fund research, provide diversionary activities such as books, toys, games and videos and to produce patient education materials. For more information about the marathon or sponsorship opportunities, call the Weppner Campus Volunteer Center at (561) 297-3607.
