IU Dance Marathon raises $1.8 million for Riley Hospital for Children
Of the more than $1.8 million raised for Riley Hospital for Children by the end of Indiana University's 36-hour dance marathon, it's that last 20 cents that means the most to organizers.
Each year, the group's accounting director donates enough money to ensure the decimal point in the final sum is followed by a 20, each cent representing a member of IU Dance Marathon's executive council who worked alongside thousands of committee members, volunteers and dancers to make the annual event a reality.
"It's a tradition," said Mackenzie Berg, IU Dance Marathon marketing director, who first got involved with the event as a student at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis.
This year's IU Dance Marathon, Nov. 4 to 6, raised $1,801,207.20. That's more than the $1.6 million raised last year and represents the total raised at all events held throughout the year, including funds raised by similar dance marathons at partner high schools in the area.
"The more you get into it, the more you realize how truly impactful (IU Dance Marathon) is on individuals," Berg said. "It's very rewarding, and it makes everything make sense when someone from Riley says 'thank you.'"
Just hours after wrapping up the 2011 event, organizers have already started thinking about next year, Berg said.
IU Dance Marathon began in 1991 in honor of Ryan White, an AIDS activist and Riley Hospital for Children patient who died of AIDS in 1990. This year, a new $10 million commitment has been made to infectious disease research.
"Each year Indiana University Dance Marathon makes a profound difference in the lives of Riley Hospital patients. They understand the vital role Riley Hospital plays in securing a healthy future for children," said Jason Mueller, manager of regional communications at Riley Children's Foundation. "We are grateful for the continuous support and generosity of Indiana University Dance Marathon and are overwhelmed with the time and energy they devote towards helping children."
For more information about IU Dance Marathon, visit iudm.org.
About Riley Children's Foundation
Riley Children's Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, Camp Riley and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana's only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided care, support and comfort to children and their families since 1924. Each year children from all 92 Indiana counties turn to Riley Hospital and its regional clinics throughout the state more than 350,000 times. Riley Hospital's partnership with IU Health and its strong affiliation with the IU School of Medicine make Riley Hospital the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region. For more information, see www.rileykids.org.
