I decided to focus on something really important to the students of San Diego State that affects every person in the San Diego community: Aztec Dance Marathon. We just started to have this event on our campus last year and I believe it to be one the coolest philanthropic events our school has ever put on. I got to sit down with one of the ADM board members, Abby Carson -- who also just so happens to be my sister in Alpha Gamma Delta (pictured below, on the right) -- to discuss what it's like to be behind the scenes planning such an incredible event. 
Q: First off what is Aztec Dance Marathon?
Abby Carson: Aztec Dance Marathon is a year-round student organization at San Diego State University and one of the over 350 Dance Marathon programs across the nation. All of the money that we raise stays local and benefits families right here in San Diego, and this year’s dance marathon is going to be a 15-hour event.
Q: What role do you play in this event?
AC: My role on the ADM Board is the Catering Chair, so I assist our Catering Director in getting all of the meals and snacks for the actual event. We spend a lot of time reaching out to local businesses asking for donations or discounts on food items.
Q: What drew you to such an organization?
AC: For dance marathon the motto is FTK, or “for the kids.” That’s a large part of what drew me to the organization, along with another one of our other phrases, “dancing for the kids who can’t.” I love that this organization helps people who might not be as fortunate, and the fact that we get to play such a big role in the community and in other lives is amazing.
Q: What does it take to make this such a successful event?
AC: In order to make this a successful event it takes an entire board of 50 people who all spend a large amount of time at weekly meetings, tabling, and events throughout the community. For me specifically, I attend meetings bi-monthly (because I have a chair position), but we also have work outside of the meetings. All 50 of us on the ADM board are highly motivated and we spend a large amount of time putting together this 15-hour event!
Q; What can we do to help?
AC: What can you do to help? The biggest thing would be to help spread the word about our event and get people to register as dancers and/or as a team of dancers. We are looking to raise $100,000 this year as a school, which would be a $60,000 increase from last year.
Q: Any last comments you have?
AC: I mean, I would just encourage everyone to please register ASAP and start posting their donation links all over social media. That would be great!
Thanks for sitting down with me, Abby, and for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions! Aztec Dance Marathon is such an incredible cause to be a part of, so If you have not already registered, I highly encourage you to do so today.
