Sep 7th
The annual Dance Marathon event, held on the campus of Bowling Green state University each March, keeps dancers on their feet for 32 hours, and provides a mix of fun, food, games, music and spirited entertainment for a crowd of supportive onlookers. And, in 2007 alone, raised more than $192,000 for the Children's Miracle Network.
"If you haven't seen Dance Marathon take the time to come look at it; look at the people who are involved," says Katrina Caldwell, Dancer Relations Chair. "It's something that is absolutely amazing and honestly you can't understand it unless you're there. You can't put that much passion into words."
Dance Marathon is part of a nationwide effort by college students to help support the Children's Miracle Network, a philanthropic alliance of 170 children's hospitals across the country. BGSU's event, now in its 12th year, is regularly one of the largest and most successful of the groups participating. Organizing and managing Dance Marathon involves a great deal of effort by a large number of people. "This event does not take place with just the steering members, the core committee members, or the dancers," says Jay Pamerance, a recent core committee member. "It is also with the volunteers and the community's help; so get involved."
Volunteers at the event provide security, clean up crews, catering, and moralers - individuals tasked to encourage tired dancers to stay on their feet. A 25-member general steering committee comprised of 22 undergraduate students, 2 graduate advisors, and one staff advisor provide overall direction for the event. Steering committee members also serve as chairs of various core committees, such as publicity or alumni relations. Applications for membership in the steering committee are open each spring following the year's Marathon.