Florida State University’s largest student-led organization, Dance Marathon, returned to the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center March 4-6 for its 27th annual Marathon weekend.
Hundreds of students participated in this year’s Marathon, raising a total of $1,554,156.14 for local children in need of specialized pediatric and medical care.
A student-favorite on campus, the year-long fundraising tradition began in 1995. Since then, FSU has remained committed to advocating for its beneficiaries: the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Shands Children’s Hospital and the FSU College of Medicine Pediatric Outreach Program.
“Year 27 is something I will remember for the rest of my life,” said Catherine Steele, FSU sophomore and Pi Phi Dance Marathon delegate.”To be surrounded by such an incredible group of hardworking individuals has taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will forever treasure these memories.”
After raising funds through individual and organizational fundraising efforts, participants united together to stand on their feet for a total of 30 hours in honor of children who cannot.
At the top of every hour, after the miracle families and beneficiaries shared their stories, participants joined the 2022 DM line dance which was taught throughout the event. The Marathon also featured a Hypnotist show, performances by FSU and local dance groups and live bands, theme hours, a silent disco, the Spheres Bubble Show and Drip Drop Fitness.
“My favorite part of the marathon was getting to hit the gong and ring that bell to let people know I had found my why and was raising money towards my total and for that ‘why,'” said Amelia Mauer, marketing and publicity captain for Dance Marathon.
New additions to the Marathon included a Shands Children’s Hospital Pop-Up and the Miracle Child Talent Show. The Pop-Up Hospital included components and items from Shands that Dance Marathon helped fund over the years, most of which are used daily to support pediatric patients.
In total, Dance Marathon at FSU has raised more than $18 million in the past 27 years.
For more information about Dance Marathon at Florida State University, please visit https://www.dmfsu.org/meet-our-miracle-kids.
