This is one of many events UADM puts on throughout the year to get people interested in its philanthropy.
Dance Marathon is the largest student-run organization in the country and raises millions of dollars every year for Children’s Medical Network Hospital. This money goes directly to funding life-saving treatments, covering health care bills and providing a better quality of life both for suffering children and their families. This chapter specifically raises money for the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham and facilitates hospital visits throughout the year.
Last year, UADM had more than 700 attendees at their “Big Event” and raised $83,061.09, which went directly to the hospital.
The number of attendees and staff members has increased since 2011, when 150 participants raised almost $15,000.
Nicole Morgan, an executive member of UADM, said she is looking to see even bigger numbers for 2015 as the organization hopes to raise more than $100,000 throughout the year and encourage an increase in student participation at the “Big Event,” which will be held March 7 in the Student Recreation Center gym.
This year, the organization will be holding a competition against Louisiana State University’s Dance Marathon to see which team can raise the most money during the week leading up to the LSU game. During the week, UADM will host activities every day to raise both money and awareness for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Because of the success that the organization had at “DMPM,” a fundraiser held at Gallette’s earlier this month, it will be hosting several more throughout the school year.
“I think everyone should get involved with Dance Marathon because it is the perfect way to escape from the stresses of college and just dance and play games while also making a difference in the community,” said Emily Trentacoste, vice president of UADM. “It’s so rewarding seeing all the kids whose lives have been touched by Children’s of Alabama.”
One of the benefits of raising money for a hospital nearby is that staff members get to visit the hospital throughout the year to see firsthand where the money is going. Many of the children they develop relationships with attend the “Big Event” in the spring, where they explain to other attendees what the organization has done for them and their families.
Freshman Megan McKinless said she came into her first year excited to get involved and was instantly drawn to Dance Marathon as many of her Phi Mu sisters said they had positive experiences with the organization.
“UADM would also like to thank the fraternity of Phi Kappa Psi for putting together DMPM at Gallette’s on Oct. 10,” Morgan said. “The success of this raised over $4,000 to help benefit Children’s of Alabama. UADM is looking forward to more DMPMs in the future.”
