A “Dec-Aid” of Dance Marathon With KU
On February 10, over 300 KU students came together to celebrate a “Dec-aid of Dancing” with KU Dance Marathon (KUDM) and recognize the patients and families treated at KU Medical Center Pediatrics. KUDM is a part of an even larger nationwide movement that unites college, university, and high school students across North America. Students involved in a campus’ dance marathon organization spend a year gaining leadership, teamwork, and nonprofit business experience while raising funds and awareness for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
KUDM students culminated this year-long fundraising effort with a 10-hour event taking place in the ballroom of the Kansas Memorial Union in Lawrence, KS. Kicking off the event was Vice Chancellor and longtime supporter of KUDM, Provost Neeli Bendapudi leading the dancers in a chant of “Rock Chalk For The Kids.” Throughout the rest of the event, students welcomed the miracle families treated at KU Medical Center Pediatrics, many of which were able to share their stories and experiences with the group. These families have all benefited from the support and efforts of KUDM over the years. For 2018 KUDM was able to raise $43,949.23 all of which will benefit sick and injured pediatric patients treated at KU Medical Center Pediatrics.
There are many Thank You’s in order. It takes many students to plan and implement such a major event, but the entire event was led by an Executive Team consisting of 12 students. Special thanks to:
Katie Bottorff, University Dance Marathon Advisor
Emily Dreager, Executive Director
Simone Light, Vice President of Internal Operations
Parker Kempin, Vice President of Business
Robert Adams, Vice President of External Operations
Sami McCormick, Director of Entertainment
Alex Collier, Director of Finance
Caroline Glocker, Director of Morale
Ellie Hardesty, Director of Family Relations
Lauren Medlock, Director of Fundraising
Jason Frederick, Director of Sponsorship
Abbie Cox, Director of Media Relations
Katelynn Maloney, Director of Deisgn
Thank you, KU Dance Marathon for your continued support of Children’s Miracle Network of Greater Kansas City!