This year, Soonerthon raised over $300,000 “For the Kids.” 
At the head of this massive undertaking was Soonerthon Chair Sarah Campbell. Campbell is a junior Kappa Kappa Gamma, and here’s what she had to say about this life-changing event. 
What exactly is Soonerthon? Soonerthon is the official philanthropy of Campus Activities Council, and is the University of Oklahoma's affiliate of Dance Marathon. Soonerthon raises money for the Children's Hospital Foundation, which creates the best pediatric health care possible right here in Oklahoma City at the OU Children's Hospital. 
Do you look to Penn State, founder of Dance Marathon, for guidance/ideas? In actuality, Penn State THON is not technically a partner of the Children's Miracle Network Dance marathons. A miracle child himself at the University of Indiana originally started the Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon. We definitely seek out more established programs to learn how their events function and we can better improve ours. We also work closely with Oklahoma State Dance Marathon, University of Nebraska Dance Marathon and our representatives at the national Children's Miracle Network office in order to improve year to year. 
For you, what is the most rewarding part of Soonerthon? Who do you dance for? The most rewarding part of Soonerthon is watching the children and their families be embraced the OU community. The opportunity to leave sickness and hospitals behind allows the miracle children to just be kids for the day by interacting with over 2,000 college students. My Soonerthon experience has been enriched by one miracle child in particular named Lucy. Lucy has been battling Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia her entire life, and will continue to fight it for a long time. Lucy is by far the most energetic, intelligent and enthusiastic child I have ever met, and she keeps me going, too!
What individuals and organizations raised the most money this year? Highest attendance? This year the highest fundraiser in the Large Group category were the women of Chi Omega, and the largest attendance was Kappa Kappa Gamma. In the small group category the top fundraiser and top attendance was Alpha Phi Omega (APO).  
What did you find was most difficult in planning this huge philanthropy? The most difficult part of planning the philanthropy is inspiring students on our campus to fundraise. Almost all of the money raised by Soonerthon comes from students reaching out to families and friends. We could not have reached the amazing total of $318,711.14 without over 50% of our 2,100 registrants fundraising and raising money “For the Kids.” Thank you to everyone who made a difference in the lives of hundreds of miracle children with your hard work and dedication!
What can students do to get the most out of Soonerthon? The best way to get the most out of Soonerthon is to invest and also have an open mind. Students who are involved throughout the year in our various events like the 5K, Golf Tournament and Miracle Skate Nights are able to get to know the children and their families long before the day of. Also, those that meet their personal fundraising goals have stronger ties to the cause, making the day of Soonerthon that much more special. During the 12 hours it is so important to get to know the children and their families, and once you form that special friendship you are hooked on the cause for life.
What are your fundraising tips? The easiest way to fundraise is to share your passion with family and friends by using your personal fundraising page. This page is almost a Facebook for fundraising that is set up by Soonerthon, which allows you to send links to donate in your name to anyone and everyone. Also, the use of social media is key. Posting your donation page link to Facebook, Twitter, etc. is another easy way to fundraise for the kids!
What is your advice to next year’s Soonerthon chair? My advice to next year's Soonerthon chair is to give 120% of your effort, but never forget to enjoy it. This experience is time consuming, exhausting, humbling and life changing. The OU students, executive committees, families and hospital personnel you come in contact with are extraordinary, and there is nothing like getting to share the final total reveal with each of them.
Anything you'd like to add? I would like to add a huge thank you to each organization, participant and Soonerthon team member. This year was such a success due to the amount of hard work and passion that was given by over 2,100 students on our campus. Thank you for donating your time, energy, and support to creating a better future for each of these amazing Miracle Children. The University of Oklahoma should be proud of now hosting the 13th largest Dance Marathon in the nation, but also in the miracles that we are making happen right here in Oklahoma.