You've seen the pictures, the posts, and the t-shirts. So what's Dance Marathon? Dance Marathon is a student organization on many campuses that provides year-round support for children with chronic illnesses and their families. The money raised supports the children in their hospital stays and helps the families out with medical bills and other expenses that come about. Why wouldn't you want to take part in such an amazing organization that helps some great kiddos? There's some people still on the fence about being a part of or even supporting Dance Marathon, but here are 11 reasons why joining Dance Marathon at your school is a great decision!
1. You meet some pretty amazing friends.
Dance Marathon has connected me with people who I would have never met or become friends with otherwise! We all share the love for Dance Marathon and have a blast at different fundraising events together. I'm thankful for the friendships I have made because of this organization.
2. It's easy!
You attend some meetings, you take a minute to register, you ask for donations, then you dance your day away. What is easier than that? Plus, it's so much fun! Just that little bit of time does so much for kids who need it.
3. It's not ALL about dancing.
This is probably the biggest misconception about Dance Marathon--That you are stuck dancing for however many hours straight. But it is so much more than that! Dance Marathon also includes inspirational stories, games, food, and spending time with some amazing kiddos. Dancing is always fun and encouraged, but there is so much more to it than just the dancing aspect.
4. The inspirational stories.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't cry at Dance Marathon. The families and the kids are so inspiring, and their stories of the fights they have gone through are touching. These families are exactly what Dance Marathon is all about, and they are so grateful for what Dance Marathon does. Listening to them speak is bound to make you tear up, even just a little bit.
5. You can complete service hour requirements.
This is a win-win for people who may be looking for service hours to for their major, an organization or for scholarships. What better way to spend your time serving than by preparing for a major dance party with your friends?
6. The excitement of fundraising.
Reaching your personal fundraising goal, team fundraising goal, and event fundraising goal is one of the best feelings EVER. You put so much time and effort into the organization, but knowing that the money you helped raise is going back to support kiddos who need it more than anything else is one of the best feelings of all. And, the excitement the kids and their families get when they see how much you have raised is a pretty great feeling, too!
7. You're dancing for those who can't.
Some of the kids you are dancing for may not ever have the chance to do what you are doing, and that is one big reason why you should do it. Dance for the kids who can't, because they are going to appreciate it more than anybody else ever will, including yourself.
8. You're part of an organization bigger than just your school.
All across the United States, students band together to raise money for children's hospitals. This is one organization that you know that you are never alone in and that you know will ALWAYS have somebody backing you up with. I have so many friends at different colleges who are also involved in Dance Marathon, and knowing that even at different schools we are standing together for one cause is just amazing.
9. There are always some pretty cool t-shirts.
Honestly, Dance Marathon t-shirts are probably some of the coolest ones I have ever seen. There are so many great quotes, fun colors and awesome designs that it's hard not to want to buy them and wear them all the time!
10. If the kids can fight, you can dance.
Some colleges do up to 24-hour Dance Marathons, which sometimes keeps people away. However, when you think about it, 24 hours of your time spent dancing is nothing compared to all of the time the kids you are supporting spend fighting. If they can fight for years, you can spend time dancing for them for one day.
11. It's all FTK!
The best part about Dance Marathon is that it's not for you, it's not for your friends, and it's not for your school. Dance Marathon is all For The Kids, and I cannot imagine a better organization that you could get involved with. By taking your time and dancing for a day, you are easily changing a kid's tomorrow--one that he or she might not have gotten if it wasn't for the donations, support, and love of all of those participating in Dance Marathon. There is nothing better than supporting Dance Marathon, because it is all For The Kids.
