The annual keystone event for Dance Marathon—Vanderbilt University’s largest student-run philanthropic organization—is this Saturday, Feb. 20. Benefiting the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, the event’s fundraising goal for this year is the largest ever: $200,000.
Since 2003, Dance Marathon has raised more than $1.6 million for Children’s Hospital while encouraging the campus to get into the spirit of the event “For the Kids.” The organization engages in yearlong fundraising efforts that culminate in a 13.1-hour event attracting more than 1,000 participants each year.
The Big Event is this Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight in the Student Life Center Ballroom. It will feature performances by numerous student groups, catering from restaurants throughout Nashville, featured stories from Children’s Hospital families, and much more. All money raised from this year’s efforts will be used to support Children’s Hospital’s “Growing to New Heights” capital expansion campaign as well as a neonatology fellowship.
Throughout the year, Dance Marathon does more than simply raise money. Its student volunteers connect with current and former Children’s Hospital patients and their families, whom they call their Miracle Families. These families are Dance Marathon’s “why.” The stories they share and the relationships they form with students motivate the campus to support the cause—and they do so with big smiles, a little dancing, and a lot of heart.
Although the fundraising goal is a lofty, record-breaking $200,000, it’s achievable because of the level of dedication that Dance Marathon has developed among students, says this year’s president, Kern Vohra. “Students have rallied to the cause and are continuing to express interest in making a tremendous impact on the lives of our kids on our campus,” he says.
Donations may be made to Dance Marathon here.
To learn more about Dance Marathon, visit the organization’s Facebook page here.
Contact: Kern Vohra
President, Vanderbilt University Dance Marathon