After three attempts to bring Dance Marathon to USF St. Petersburg, the event is set to become a new campus tradition this March.
Dance Marathon, which is spearheaded by Paige McDaniel, is a student-run, nationwide program held at high schools and colleges in an effort to raise money for a local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. For USFSP, that hospital is All Children’s.
What happens at Dance Marathon?
Students will stay on their feet for eight hours while they engage in various activities, including zumba, hula hooping, twister and of course, dancing. McDaniel didn’t want to give away all the surprises, but she did hint at the possible inclusion of inflatables objects and glow-in-the-dark ping pong tables.
At USFSP, Dance Marathon is a student organization, of which McDaniel is president. She said that USFSP administration is working closely with the organization to put the event together.
“There’s a really big push for this,” McDaniel said, “We want to create a new tradition at USFSP.”
Kimberly Sanchez, who has attempted to bring the event to USFSP in years past, said that Dance Marathon is a daunting task.
Sanchez said that there are lots of obstacles to overcome with large-event planning, from finding the space and time, to raising the amount of money needed to host an eight-hour event.
“No doubt we can do it, but it’s the logistics that can get complicated,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez said that she is excited to help out and bring the event together.
A big issue still facing Dance Marathon is the need for funding, McDaniel urges all students to make an effort to become a “dancer,” and start fundraising for the event. Two fundraisers aimed at the $2,015 goal are scheduled before the marathon.
“Don’t let the ‘dancer’ title scare you,” McDaniel said. “The dancer role is primarily geared to raise money for the cause.”
Once registered as dancers, students are provided with a donor page, where they can track how much money they’ve raised.
Find out more:
If you’re interested in joining, there will be information sessions on Feb. 24 and 26 from 3-4 p.m. in the Palm Room, which is located upstairs in the University Student Center.
You can also sign up and stay updated on Dance Marathon via their Facebook page: https:#www.facebook.com/usfspdancemarathon
