University of Dayton students dance to make a difference
11th annual UD Dance Marathon benefiting Dayton Children’s to be held Saturday, November 7

Nearly 400 Students at the University of Dayton are dancing to make a difference in the lives of local children during the 11th annual Dance Marathon on Saturday, November 7, held at the RecPlex Center on UD’s campus starting at 12:00 pm and continuing until midnight.

Dance Marathon is a 12-hour event to raise money for The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton, a local Children’s Miracle Network hospital. It features theme dance hours, live music, contests, food and fun. Patient families from Dayton Children’s will also attend throughout the day to share their experiences at the hospital. 

“The students work hard during the year planning and organizing this event,” says Debbie Butner, Children’s Miracle Network manager at Dayton Children’s.

“Their efforts and the time they devote to Dance Marathon are so appreciated.  The experience they get from being involved in this event is incredible. They are making a brighter future for our young patients as well.” 

Students and families are getting excited about this year’s theme “Be a HERO. Saving Lives One DANCE at a Time.”

Each dancer will be given a bright blue T-shirt with a superhero design on the front to set the theme. Each hour will feature a “miracle child” who will tell their story and get to wear the official Dance Marathon superhero cape.

Dancers are kept entertained throughout the day with performances, crafts, and games. This year, Miss Miami Valley, Ellen Bryan, will be taking the stage to sing during the “oldies and one-hit wonder” hour. The Dayton Parrott Heads will also join the students and help to set a summer feel during the “vacation” hour. Other performances include the UD Dance Team and the UD Irish Dance Team.

The first ever Dance Marathon originated at Penn State University in 1973. UD held its first Dance Marathon in 1999. Since then, students have raised over $150,000 for Dayton Children’s.

“Twelve hours is a large commitment, but many organizations across campus have come together to donate their time and money to support the local hospital and we are very thankful for their generosity,” says Grace Rodney, UD student and Dance Marathon president.

“We are really excited because we have grown a lot in the past few years going from around 60 dancers a few years ago to nearly 400 this year.”

The money raised from Dance Marathon will be used by Dayton Children’s to purchase much-needed medical equipment for their Level III Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NCIU). 

About Children’s Miracle Network
Children’s Miracle Network is an international non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals. Countless individuals, nearly 100 corporate sponsors and 400 media partners unite with Children’s Miracle Network hospitals to help sick and injured kids in local communities. Donations to Children’s Miracle Network create miracles by funding the medical care, research and education that saves and improves the lives of 17 million children each year. To learn more go to www.ChildrensMiracleNetwork.org.