Dance “For The Kids.”

The University of North Florida Dance Marathon is a student operated event that hosted its 10th annual 12-hour Dance Marathon on Saturday, March 3.  The event raises funds for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which benefits the pediatric program at UF Health Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

The marathon took place in the UNF Field House from 10am to 10pm. There was more than just dancing for the marathon. Activities included coloring, board games and dodgeball among other things. Towards the end of the marathon, patients who had previously benefited from the fundraiser told their story to the crowd. These patients then cut hospital tags off the wrist of those who participated to share their feeling of relief.

The marathon started in 2008 and has raised over $275,000 since then. Last year, the fundraiser made $38,385. This year, the supplies are specifically going towards medical equipment, child life resources and educational materials. This year only $26,094.88 was made, which is the third lowest amount that was made in the past 10 years. This year the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority raised the most amount of money for the fundraiser.

UNF Dance Marathon is accepting applicants for volunteers of next year’s event. The applications are due March 8th.

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