UWF Dance Marathon raises more than $55,000 for Children’s Miracle Network
The seventh annual University of West Florida Dance Marathon raised $55,261.02 on March 23 in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for pediatric hospitals, medical research and community awareness of children’s health issues. All proceeds from UWF’s event will be donated to Pensacola’s Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, a member of the Children’s Miracle Network.
During UWF Dance Marathon, participants stand on their feet and dance for 10 hours in support of children who cannot. The event was held in the UWF Field House for the first time this year, which allowed all participants the space to dance for the entirety of the event.
“This year’s Dance Marathon executive board really took the reins and worked mostly on their own to make this event a success,” said Dr. Brandon Frye, associate vice president and dean of students. “I am very proud of their efforts and everyone who contributed to the event’s fruitful outcome.”
The Miracle Network Dance Marathon is held at more than 400 locations across the country and has raised over $250 million since 1991.
“Dance Marathon is a way to instill a drive and passion into our University to continue to help and love our community,” said Kara Heigert, a senior psychology and criminal justice major and executive director of the event. “You get to see the direct impact that a group of individuals who have the heart to make a difference has through helping to make an impact in the lives of children and their families.”
UWF fraternities, sororities and other student organizations raised funds as teams for the event and competed in the “Miracle Ball” to see who could raise the most money and create the most awareness for the event through social media and spirit nights. Over 350 students from 14 teams participated in UWF’s 2019 Dance Marathon. Miracle Ball winners were split into three divisions based on the number of members in the organization:
Cannon Division (less than 30 members): Kappa Delta Chi
Nautilus Division (30-75 members): Alpha Tau Omega
Argonaut Division (more than 75 members): Alpha Delta Pi
“I am incredibly proud of all of the UWF students who participated and planned this event because $55,000 goes a long way for the hospital,” said Keaton West, assistant director of campus and community involvement. “They should be so proud of themselves and their effort. Dance Marathon is not an easy event to plan and they did a fantastic job.”
For more information UWF Dance Marathon, visit the Dance Marathon webpage.
