With a goal to raise $25,000 for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, and to beat last year’s donation of nearly $23,000, Kirkwood Community College students spread the word about Dance Marathon and surpassed their goal, raising a total of $28,124.14.
“I hope that they’ll remember that no matter what they raise, it’s more than what the hospital had last year, and to remember that they’re doing it for the kids,” said Lexi Bright, business management major and member of dance marathon’s leadership team.
Students gathered for the final Dance Marathon activity, known as the ‘Big Event,’ on March 1, 2024, at the Rec Center on Kirkwood’s main campus.
Throughout the night, students, guests and even families of children who have spent time at the hospital, danced and participated in other activities such as puzzles, ping pong, friendship bracelets, cornhole and special games each hour including dodgeball, pickleball and knockout.
There was also a new twist to the event with a night-long bingo, challenging everyone to dress up and raise money.
Families also came to share theirs and their children’s stories about the battles they faced. From twins Gemma and Lily facing hardships, Nile preparing for an upcoming surgery and those like Austin ‘The Flash’ and Tate’s fierce, yet tragic ending to their battles with cancer.
Alyssa Hart, Cad EMT major, and Tia Duhachek, Dental Assistant major, both said they loved the stories of the kids and agreed it was the best part of the event.
Towards the aerobics room a sign said ‘Dancing in our hearts’ and a trail lined with paper bags with hearts drawn on them led into the room.
Inside was Austin, Tate, and triplets Kameron, William, and Blair’s stories. In their memories, students and guests were encouraged to write their names on paper hearts to remember them and encourage others to remember why the event was so important.
Kirkwood’s music major, Luci McHenry said, “I really really like Power Hour [the last event of the night]. I also really really like Tate and Austin’s story.”
A total of $28,124.14 was raised, the 14 cents representing the amount of years dance marathon been held.
“My favorite part was probably dancing at the end and just able to be up top of the stage doing the final reveal with some of my best friends I met through Dance Marathon,” Bright explained.
“It wouldn’t have met them if I hadn’t joined Dance Marathon so just the memories over the three years I’ve been here, it’s been amazing.”
Tyler Adams, who works for the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital responded to reaching their goal saying, “These students, they put their hearts and souls in this. In addition of college students making this happened.”
“I think most importantly it takes all of us to have a successful event,” Bright said.
“Everyone that pulled together to make the event happened, it wouldn’t be possible without all of us.”
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