May 23rd
The group stages events and activities throughout the year leading up to the Marathon weekend in March. A tour of St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo helps puts the entire mission into context, and provides inspiration to sustain the group through the hard work ahead.
A Mini Marathon is held in February in the Student Union Ballroom to help build excitement. The six hour event also allows everyone to get spend time with The Kids - as the group refers to the children from the St. Vincent who come to participate. The mini-marathon involves area high school students who are also fund raising for the Children's Miracle Network. The whole season officially kicks off with an event each year during Miracle Week in October that marks the 150 day countdown to the Dance Marathon event weekend.
To become involved with the Dance Marathon, attend one of their general planning meetings which begin in September each year. "This is one of the organizations that I can say that has changed me for the better, and I can never thank them enough for that," explains Jenny Pamerance, Core Committee member. "It's a way to give back to people; you're helping others and doing really great things for other people," adds Kari Rood, director. "At the same time you're having so much fun building relationships with people on campus you thought you never would."