High school and college students from more than 150 schools around the country participate in Dance Marathon, a yearlong fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
Students spend a year raising money and getting to know children's hospital patients and families. The year ends with a 12-hour event during which participants stay on their feet while dancing, playing games, and celebrating the total amount raised that year.
Dance Marathon's mission statement is simple: "We dance for those who can't."
Hayley Robinson, sophomore in public relations, is director of public relations for Auburn University Dance Marathon.
Robinson said she has a person connection to the cause.
"When I was three years old I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that is similar to rheumatoid arthritis," Robinson said. "I really love to see all these kids here, that are just like I was, and knowing I can help them."
Each event in entirely student run and 100% of the donations go to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
Sarah Kelly, junior in human development and family studies and Spanish, is vice president of outreach for Auburn University Dance Marathon.
According to Kelly, this event has been a great way to connect with people.
"Being a vice president has been an opportunity to serve not only the committees and the staff members, but also the patients and families that are involved with the program," Kelly said.
Lindsay Ryan, freshman in nutrition, is on the event management committee.
Ryan said her experience with Auburn Dance Marathon has been a good one, as well.
"My favorite part about being on staff is the friends I have made," Ryan said. "I've met so many people who, like me, are devoted to making a difference in the lives of these children."
Auburn University joined Dance Marathon in 2012, and raised over $200,000 for the organization in just 2 years.
According to Olivia Saunders, sophomore in history, participants are guaranteed to have a good time. However, they never lose sight of what they are dancing for.
"Throughout the day people are dancing and playing games," Saunders said. "We are having fun all day. While we are doing that, though, we are raising money for kids that really need it."
At the end of the night, it was announced that Auburn University Dance Marathon raised $176,589.65 for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals this year.
Shelby Segrest, freshman in special education, was a participant in the event.
"We danced a ton today," Segrest said. "It was so much fun. We played games, and learned a 9 and a \0xBD minute line dance. The best part was at the end of the night, when we had a rave. They did an incredible job of keeping us occupied for 12 hours."
According to Segrest, participating in Auburn Dance Marathon was a powerful experience.
"Some of the kids and their families from the hospitals came to talk to us. It gave me a lot of insight into what we were doing this for," Segrest said. "We weren't just dancing for fun, we were dancing for kids who can't."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
