Dance Marathon at Florida State University is challenging the student body and community to reach new heights by setting the bar to raise a record-breaking $2 million for charity, benefiting Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville and the FSU College of Medicine’s Pediatric Outreach Programs.
A program of the national Miracle Network Dance Marathon, Dance Marathon at FSU (DM at FSU), is the largest student-run philanthropy on FSU’s campus. It is a yearlong effort of fundraising that culminates into an annual 40-hour event where more than 1,800 students stay awake and on their feet to raise money and awareness for local beneficiaries.
“We hope the release of this $2 million goal will spark excitement and serve as a catalyst to bring the entire campus together,” said Chloe Milthorpe, Dance Marathon at FSU’s executive director. “This is a great cause that that FSU’s student body can rally behind.”
Over the past 22 years, Dance Marathon at FSU has raised nearly $10 million for the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Shands Children’s Hospital and the FSU College of Medicine. In 2017, DM at FSU raised a grand total of $1,830,167.28 “For The Kids.” These funds helped to provide medical care, treatment and research at the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and the FSU College of Medicine.
DM at FSU began as a small fundraiser in Tully Gymnasium in 1995, raising slightly more than $19,000. It has now become the fourth-highest fundraising Miracle Network Dance Marathon program in the nation. DM at FSU has grown every year due to the dedication and drive of Florida State students.
The organization challenges every FSU student to take part in making its $2 million monumental goal a reality, whether it is participating as a fundraiser, dancer, donor or volunteer. DM at FSU hopes that by uniting the campus, the student body can make a statement and bring students together as one to create positive change within the community.
For more information or to register, visit dmfsu.org.