The University of Alabama Dance Marathon will hold its first ever kickoff event, a 2 hour event of non-stop dancing to help raise money for Children’s of Alabama, on Jan. 26.
UADM is a year-round fundraising organization but the fifth annual dance marathon itself will be held Feb. 27.
The kickoff event will be Jan. 26 from 6:30-8:30 in the Ferguson Ballroom.
“The kickoff will give students a free preview of what to expect at our Dance Marathon on Feb. 27,” said junior Sonny Franks, director of public relations for UADM. “Students will preview a portion of our famous line dance, eat free food, play games and make cards for sick kids at Children’s of Alabama for a Greek Point/service hour.”
In addition to gaining information about the event in February, students who attend the kickoff will be offered discounted registration fees. Franks said though this is UADM’s fifth year, many people still don’t know who they are, and the kickoff event will help to get their name out.
“This kickoff is meant to show students what a Dance Marathon is really like–A mash up of heartwarming stories from the kids we are helping, bad dancing, games and fundraising to save lives,” Franks said.
Sophomore Meghan Poljak, a public relations staff member for UADM, said students should participate in the event because it’s a mixture of fun and philanthropy.
“Students get a chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves,” Poljak said. “It’s about giving 12 hours of your life without sitting for the kids who can’t stand themselves. It’s a wonderful reminder of all the miracle children and their families who need our love and support.”
Poljak said some of the families will be at the kickoff and main event. All of the proceeds go to the Children’s Miracle hospital in Birmingham.
Clint Smith, a junior majoring in civil engineering, is a returning participant for UADM. Smith said this year he is trying to tell his friends and family to join in.
“I signed up thinking it would be a great thing to do with a few of my friends, but it was so much more,” Smith said. “When you see all of the families and children that you raised money for, it really just makes you realize how much you take for granted. After the whole day when you finally lay down and think about what’s happened, you realize the good that you’ve helped accomplish.”
UADM has a motto, FTK or “For the Kids” meaning that what they do, how much they accomplish is all for the benefit of the Children’s of Alabama.
“Miracle Kids are the faces of everything UADM stands for, literally and metaphorically,” Franks said. “They are children that have been or are currently being treated at Children’s and are brave enough to come to our events and share their stories. Miracle Families serve as inspiration for all of us to keep standing, dancing, and fundraising to support families like them.”
