Hope for the future of children’s health on display at Dance Marathon fall events

In another impressive display of philanthropy and commitment to the future of kids’ health, the Miracle Network Dance Marathon teams at the University of Florida and Florida State University collectively raised $688,635.75 during their signature fall fundraising events.

At UF, Dance Marathon held its 11th “Transform Today” event from Oct. 29-30. Over the course of 26.2 hours, the UF and Gainesville community rallied together, contributing to a total of $365,131.79 for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. This year’s event, themed “Turn the Page,” featured a variety of entertainment and activities, including a “Mid-Day Miracles” webinar with Shelley Collins, M.D., who discussed the importance of renovations to Units 44 and 45 as well as the impact that funds raised through Dance Marathon have had on the children’s hospital.

Similar to years past, DM at UF unveiled its 2024 Transform Today total at “Moralloween,” an annual Halloween-themed celebration held at Plaza of the Americas.

Later in the fall, DM at FSU made its mark with the “Florida Statement” event, held from Nov. 8-9 in Tallahassee. Over the same 26.2 hours, FSU and the local community joined to raise $323,503.96. This year’s slogan, “Every Step of the Way,” highlighted the event’s 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, Florida Statement has a significant impact on DM’s year-round effort to help ensure every child will receive essential care during each step of their journey.

What’s Next?

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. 

2025 will mark Florida State’s 30th Dance Marathon event, where they will bring the energy and dedication to advancing children’s healthcare throughout their 30-hour event. FSU’s year-long campaign, “When We Believe,” places an emphasis on the past while recognizing that no dream is too big, and no challenge is too great when we believe in more.

DM at UF is celebrating its 31st year in 2025, encouraging their supporters to join them and help “Write the Story” for every child and family who relies on UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. They want to ensure every child’s first chapters are filled with wonder, hope, adventure, resilience, and endless possibilities.