Florida State University’s largest student-led organization, Dance Marathon, raised over $1.2 million for the UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital and the FSU College of Medicine over the weekend.
More than 1,800 students participated in the 29th annual event March 1-3 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.
“At Dance Marathon, we continue to honor our miracle families by working toward a goal larger than ourselves and dance for those who can’t, to create a better tomorrow,” said Taylor McFall, marathon director. “Knowing that I am part of that total revealed number that goes up that we get to donate to these families who literally need it to save their child’s life, this is defined my college experience at FSU by far. And I’m just I’m so honored to be a part of it.”
Established in 1995, the marathon is the culmination of a yearlong fundraising effort by FSU Dance Marathon to raise money for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital and the FSU College of Medicine Pediatric Outreach Program. Since its establishment, the marathon has raised over $20 million.
During the marathon, participants united to stand for 30 hours in honor of children who cannot and joined the line dance each hour. To keep students dancing and energized, there were programming events from DJs, interactive games and performances from local and campus performers.
Kristen Patterson, a parent participant, got involved with Dance Marathon when her daughter was a patient at Shands Children’s Hospital for a rare mitochondrial disease. Patterson learned about Dance Marathon’s fundraising efforts and was moved to contribute to the cause.
“Every dancer, every person that stepped into the Civic Center today served the kids of Shands, the kids of TMH, and my kid and family,” Patterson said. “Every year, I am overwhelmed with how proud I am of what these students accomplished.”
For more information, visit dmfsu.org.