Dance Marathon at UF, FSU step up to shape the future of kids’ health with fall events
The Dance Marathon teams at the University of Florida and Florida State University are gearing up for their fall displays of philanthropy, with their signature fundraising events right around the corner. In 2023, the programs collectively raised $711.253.52 during their fall events.
DM at UF kicks off the season with “Transform Today,” a 26.2-hour fundraising campaign set for Oct. 29-30. The event, which rallies the UF campus, local high schools, and the Gainesville community, aims to raise money for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.
This year’s event, which is themed “Turn the Page,” will feature a variety of entertainment and activities. One of the highlights will be the “Mid-Day Miracles” segment with Shelley Collins, M.D., who will discuss the importance of renovations to Units 44 and 45, as well as the impact that Dance Marathon has on the children’s hospital.
“Transform Today has been a known day in my home for many years,” Membership Manager for UF at DM, Abby Ferrell, said. “The first year I saw it on UF’s campus I remember thinking ‘that is an incredible concept, I can’t wait to see their success.’ I was excited to bring that day to my high school to get a taste of DM at UF’s magic for my own school. It is so special to be able to plan and execute the 11th annual Transform Today on UF’s campus. It’s a very full circle moment, and I am thrilled to transform UF’s campus and transform the future for all the children seen and treated at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital!”
Transform Today will conclude with UF’s Moralloween event, where the total amount raised during the two days will be revealed. Attendees can enjoy activities, candy, and opportunities to connect with Miracle Families. Held the day before Halloween, Moralloween offers great food, a DJ, and a festive way to get into the Halloween spirit.
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At FSU, Dance Marathon will host its annual fall fundraiser, “Florida Statement,” from Nov. 8-9. Established in 2016, Statement is a 26.2-hour fundraising event that invites the FSU campus and the Tallahassee community to raise money for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital and the FSU College of Medicine Pediatric Outreach Program. As FSU’s largest fall event, it has a significant impact on DM’s year-round efforts.
“To me, Statement means dedicating 26.2 hours of time, energy, and effort into raising money and awareness, reaching goals, and bringing FSU’s campus together to fight for the families we love so much,” DM at FSU member, Elizabeth White, said. “It means showing up and being able to provide the funds that our beneficiaries rely on year after year to change kids’ health. Statement is when most of our members find their ‘why.’ This fundraising push is our biggest opportunity to create community within our organization by sharing our stories with one another and by hearing from our ambassador families and beneficiaries.”
This year’s slogan, “Every Step of the Way,” highlights the events commitment to providing comprehensive pediatric care for children at every stage of their medical journey. Supporting both UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital and the FSU College of Medicine Pediatric Outreach Program, DM at FSU helps ensure every child will receive essential care each step of the way.
When fall push days are completed, both DM teams will turn their attention to campaigns and events between now and their end-of-year Dance Marathon events, held from Feb. 28 – March 2 at FSU and April 5-6 at UF. Learn more about these programs at dmfsu.org or floridadm.org.