OU Dance Marathon is set to have its 30th annual fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Oklahoma Children’s Health Foundation Saturday at Sarkeys Fitness Center. They will offer an eight-hour event starting at 10 a.m., full of games and dancing, serving as the culmination of a year’s worth of fundraising.
OU Dance Marathon, Campus Activities Council’s student-led philanthropy event, raises funds for pediatric research and treatment through the Oklahoma Children’s Health Foundation at the Oklahoma City Children’s Hospital, which works to ensure treatment regardless of financial circumstances.
Volunteers receive a donor drive page to track fundraising, points and compete for the Miracle Cup. Game and giveaway prizes include Oklahoma City Thunder tickets, Luke Combs concert tickets and offerings from local Norman businesses.
During the event, volunteers are paired with a miracle kid, a child who is currently being or has been treated for pediatric illnesses at any nationwide children’s hospital. Miracle kids and their families attend OU Dance Marathon, and volunteers can build relationships with their miracle kids.
OU Dance Marathon Executive Chair Kyla Archer told OU Daily Friday that during her second year with the organization, she made a meaningful connection with a miracle kid.
“It was so fun to watch her just be a kid,” Archer said. “She had recently just finished her last round of chemo, so she was out getting to be fully in it that year, and that was really exciting.”
Some miracle kids have made full recoveries after their diagnoses, but others are still receiving treatment, and OU Dance Marathon aims to offer them a day to be carefree.
OU Dance Marathon has raised $8 million since its founding, Archer said, and the organization raised over $305,000 last year.
“I have two left feet, don't let the dance scare you,” Archer said. “(OU Dance Marathon) is really more about helping people find their ‘why’ and give them a connection to the community. Help them fight for something bigger than themselves, especially as college students.”
Archer said that OU students who are unable to donate can still support by sharing OU Dance Marathon’s mission. She encourages OU students to repost and interact with the organization’s Instagram account.
Students can join or create a team, sign up as an individual or donate online. There is a $30 registration fee.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron and Natalie Armour. Andrew Higgins and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
