At the end of the Big Event on March 6, Kirkwood Community College’s Dance Marathon revealed that it raised a record amount of $37,854.16 for the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.
Kirkwood is the only Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon program in the nation, and Dance Marathon advisor Rylee May defined Kirkwood’s Dance Marathon as “a student-led club to raise awareness and fundraise for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital through developing leadership skills for the students.”
Participants contact organizations to support their cause, connect with families, remember those who have passed and fundraise through bake sales and charity drives.
However, Dance Marathon’s Big Event is not all about fun. “It’s also a really neat and powerful reminder of why we do what we do. From the student leaders and participants to us as advisors, to volunteers and donors, Dance Marathon exists to bring students, families and the community together to support kids and celebrate the difference we can make when we work toward a common goal,” said May.
May explained she personally got involved with Dance Marathon when she was a student at the University of Iowa because she wanted to contribute to the new children’s hospital being built and help the kids being treated at the hospital.
“I continued to stay involved when coming to Kirkwood, first as a volunteer and then was asked to advise with Emily Grace, who has become one of my best friends. It has become full circle now, as my daughter has been seen at the University,” she said.
Another way they help the children is the “Dancing in our Hearts” room, a quiet room dedicated to remembering and writing encouragements to the children who have passed, and testimonies of families Dance Marathon has helped.
“The second story really stood out to me the most. Her story wasn’t about overcoming anything or beating an illness,” said Dance Marathon participant Alex Soltero. “It’s about living with that illness for the rest of her son’s life, how that affects them and how it’s a struggle, but it’s good to keep them going.”
Soltero said Dance Marathon is a good organization to financially support since its cause is important. “Dance Marathon is very important, and as many people should go as possible because it’s going to a good cause. Plus, you know your money’s going somewhere useful,” said Soltero.
May agreed with his statement, adding, “Dance Marathon is one of the most meaningful ways to get involved on campus. You don’t have to have prior experience or know exactly how you want to contribute. Most students join Dance Marathon as an opportunity to meet new people and end up developing lifelong leadership skills and being a part of something that truly changes lives for kids and families.”
Categories: Campus News, News
