Going into its third year, Aztec Dance Marathon (ADM) set a goal of raising $101,000 to help cover medical costs for families, upgrade playrooms and purchase new technology, toys, decorations and other amenities for the patients at Rady Children’s Hospital.
Not only did the student organization reach its goal; it danced its way to a new record of $144,207.51. That is nearly four times more than the the $40,314 ADM raised in its inaugural event in spring 2015.
“It was incredible,” said
Michael Kagan, ADM director of public relations. “Going into the event, we knew we were near our goal, but were unsure exactly how much we had raised to that point. During the grand reveal, the entire room blew up in excitement. It was a monumental experience.”
The
Aztec Dance Marathon was held from 6 p.m. on Feb. 24 to 9 a.m. on Feb. 25 at Montezuma Hall in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union and featured 1,295 registered dancers. It was an all-night event of dancing, games, food and prizes. Donations were collected through dancer registrations, individual dancers’ fundraising efforts and the ADM website.
Each hour, parents and children shared their stories of how Rady Children’s Hospital helped them survive life-threatening injuries and diseases and how the efforts of ADM are directly helping families in need.
“At the end of the day, it is children that are benefitting,” Kagan said. “To hear their stories, the emotion is incredible and every story moves your heart.”
ADM is part of a network of dance marathons nationwide that benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funds for local children’s hospitals. Combined, the network of 30 participating universities raised $4,760,940.90 for the organization.