Dance Marathon celebrates spring with many miracles
As the University of Florida and Florida State University prepare for their highly-anticipated Dance Marathon end of year events, both programs oversaw successful spring fundraising initiatives to set the stage. Collectively, the teams at UF and FSU raised an impressive $ 236,714.31 during their events.
Florida State University Spring Events Recap
Miles for Miracles 5K
Kicking off the momentum, Dance Marathon at FSU organized its annual “Miles for Miracles” 5K on Jan. 23. Students gathered to run in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, racing around FSU’s iconic brick buildings. The race, which raised $3,884, concluded outside of Doak Campbell Stadium, with proceeds going to UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital and the FSU College of Medicine Pediatric Outreach Programs.
Leave Your Legacy
Continuing their efforts, DM at FSU hosted the “Leave Your Legacy” spring fundraising push from Feb. 1-3, generating $112,822.48 for the children’s hospital and FSU College of Medicine. The event, designed to raise awareness for pediatric illness and injury, featured engaging activities, food trucks and additional programming.
University of Florida Spring Events Recap
Miracles in Color 5K
Dance Marathon at the University of Florida kicked off its spring season on Feb. 18 with the “Miracles in Color” 5K, painting the campus and their runners in vibrant colors. Contributing $14,000 to the children’s hospital, the race featured multiple color stations where runners were blasted with different colors at each.
Fight for 100K
The excitement of spring continued into Feb. 27 with the inaugural “Fight for 100K” spring fundraiser. With a commitment to children’s health, UF students aimed to raise $100,000 in a single day while setting up a “fundraising hub,” and hosting a mini-DM event in the Reitz Union. The event, which served as a precursor to their Main Event, raised $106,007.83.
Upcoming End of Year Events
March 1-3: Dance Marathon at Florida State University
Marking the pinnacle event of their yearly calendar, DM at FSU is set to host their 29th Dance Marathon event from March 1-3 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. The weekend promises games, live performances, music and a silent disco, all while continuing to move and stay awake for 30 hours to support the children who are in need of specialized medical care.
April 13-14: Dance Marathon at the University of Florida
The culmination of DM at UF’s efforts awaits at the 26.2-hour Main Event, scheduled from April 13-14 inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center at UF. A celebration of members and miracles, their 30th annual event will-be filled with entertainment, fundraising initiatives, stories from Miracle Families, the yearly line dance and more. Dancers are encouraged to take a pledge to stay, symbolizing their dedication to making a lasting impact on the lives of children treated at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.