Charlotte Dance Marathon aims to raise $100,000 'for the kids'

Charlotte Dance Marathon held a Sweets Showcase at UNC Charlotte Center City
Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Charlotte Dance Marathon, a student-led philanthropic organization, is preparing for its major annual event – a 12-hour dance marathon. Scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., Saturday, April 7, in Halton Arena, the marathon celebrates the culmination of nearly a year of fundraising initiatives for Levine Children’s Hospital. This year, the student organization has a $100,000 fundraising goal - all going to benefit children with unique medical needs.

With the phrase “For the Kids” as its motto, the organization has raised thousands of dollars from community events this academic year. In September, Sweets Showcase featured local dessert vendors; attendees purchased tickets for tasty samples. Each ticket directly benefited the Levine Children’s Hospital.

Attendees at a past 12-hour Charlotte Dance MarathonIn February, the 49er Challenge tasked student members to raise $49 dollars in 49 hours. Many students surpassed their goals, and at the end of challenge, more than $4,600 was raised “for the kids.”

Tyler Rapp, Charlotte Dance Marathon’s engagement director, said, “This year has been so amazing for Dance Marathon in so many ways, including lots of new faces and events as well as raising a ton of money for the kids of Levine Children’s Hospital. It gives me the opportunity to directly impact kids’ lives in a fun and lighthearted way.”

Spring Miracle Week, underway through Saturday, March 24, is another set of initiatives to fundraise and increase awareness of Charlotte Dance Marathon’s mission. Events will include a Rent-a-Puppy day, a soccer tournament and other interesting and engaging ways to get the campus community more involved.

“I’ll be incredibly excited to see the fundraising total reveal on April 7 - and to share that with the leadership team, dancers, fundraisers and community sponsors,” said Kristin Smoot, Charlotte Dance Marathon’s relations director. “Without all of their hard work, generous donations, and passion for giving back to our community, this entire event wouldn't be possible.”

More information about Spring Miracle Week, other fundraising initiatives and how to help is on the Charlotte Dance Marathon website.