On Saturday January 22, 2011, I participated in the UO Dance Marathon, held on campus. It is a remarkable event put on by the Holden Leadership Center and benefits the Children’s Miracle Network. The organization raises money for local children who are either born with severe diseases or who develop them during their youth. The philanthropic event raises money for the cost of hospital bills for these children and their families.
The day begins with check-in and breakfast. With nutrients consumed, participants make their way to the EMU Ballroom. The goal of the day is to dance and stay on your feet for twelve hours straight. This stretch of standing, from noon to midnight, is symbolic of the family members who stand bedside in the hospital next to their children.
With music ranging from Michael Jackson to Willow Smith to Backstreet Boys, everybody seems to get a complete opportunity to show off all styles of dance. Each of the twelve hours has two three constants: Music, the Morale Dance, and a personal story from a local family who has benefited from the Children’s Miracle Network.
The Morale Dance is a multi-song, multi-move performance that all participants do hourly to keep themselves motivated to keep going strong. The Morale Dance is taught to everyone by the Morale Leaders, a group of students who helped bring the participants to the event. In the first hours of the marathon, the moves are taught slowly so everyone will be able to be in sync throughout the day.
The stories that the families shared were very inspiring and sad at the same time. The common theme was “thank you” to all of the participants for donating their time and funds. This event is a huge fundraiser and directly helps those children in need. This year, over $20,000 was raised by the time midnight hit.
As we chant at the conclusion of each Morale Dance, “UO Dance Marathon, Groovin’ for the Kids!”
Mattlerman18's Blog 