Dance Marathon students make the most of 26.2 hours this fall

In just one of several displays of philanthropy throughout the year, the Miracle Network Dance Marathon teams at Florida State University and the University of Florida collectively raised an impressive $711,253.52 during their signature fall fundraising events.

At UF, Dance Marathon held its 10th “Transform Today” gathering from Oct. 24-25. Over the course of 26.2 hours, from 9 to 11:12 a.m. the following day, the UF campus and Gainesville community rallied together, contributing to a total of $409,733.63. This year, DM at UF made a conscious effort to reconnect its members with UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. The theme of the fundraising event celebrated each of the pediatrics floors, allowing fundraisers to “move-up” the facility while learning more about the hospital as the day progressed. The funds will support cutting-edge research, help purchase life-saving equipment and boost innovative, patient-centered treatment at Shands hospital.

Similar to years past, DM at UF unveiled its 2023 Transform Today total at “Moralloween,” an annual Halloween-themed celebration held at Flavet Field.

Meanwhile, in Tallahassee, the DM team at FSU made its mark with the “Florida Statement” event, held from Nov. 14-15. Over the same 26.2-hour timeframe, the FSU campus and local community joined to raise $301,519.89. Looking beyond the numbers, the event, which was established in 2016, placed a spotlight on early childhood mental health awareness.

“Statement” is not just a fundraising marathon; it serves as an example of community engagement, featuring activities such as fundraising bingo, paint-a-pot and even a flag football tournament. On the morning of the second day, participants took a memorial .23-mile walk in honor of Children’s Miracle Network child, Marshal Fisher, who passed away in 2018. Fisher would’ve turned 23 this year. Serving as the main fall fundraising event for DM at FSU, “Statement” plays a key role in supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the FSU College of Medicine pediatric program.  

With fall push days completed, both DM teams will turn their attention to campaigns and events between now and their end-of-year Dance Marathon events, held from March 1-3 at FSU and April 13-15 at UF. Learn more about both of these programs at dmfsu.org or floridadm.org.