If you are really the true Seminole you claim to be, then you must be super stoked about Dance Marathon which benefits the Children's Miracle Network coming up at the end of the month. And if you are not familiar with it, you should probably keep reading.
Before we start, let's go over the lingo.
FSU: Florida State University, I would hope you know that.
DM: Dance Marathon.
FTK: For The Kids.
CMN: Children's Miracle Network.
Comma Club: dancers who have raised $1,000 or more.
All of these acronyms can get a little confusing, so refer to the above if, at any time, you feel lost.
You do not necessarily have to be a 'Nole to understand the importance and awesomeness of Dance Marathon. Ranging all across America to over 250 high schools and college campuses, DM has been making waves for almost 20 years. Participants stand on their feet in two, 20 hour shifts. During this time they take part in fun activities and dance FTK. At the beginning of every hour there is a line dance, and as time goes on the line dance gets progressively longer.
Students raise money for DM for months, in hopes of reaching the million dollar mark at the final grand total. There are months on end of harassing your parents, co-workers, accepting actual hand written checks from your grandparents and even putting in some of your holiday money because you love the kids. At the end of the day, raising this money is possibly one of the most fulfilling achievements of our young lives.
CMN Hospitals treat over 17 million patients each year. Money raised by participants of DM goes towards supplies, hospital equipment that can range $70,000-$100,000 per unit, relieving family costs for those suffering the most, and educating communities on health and safety.
What makes all this worth it is getting to know your Miracle children, and spending time with them at the event. Miracle children are members of the CMN Hospital community who are fighting towards a clean bill of health and need our help. Their families tell stories throughout the event, of their struggles and triumphs, to give everyone a more personal understanding of where the money is going and who is being impacted. This is why we spend 20 hours on our feet in the Civic Center basement, and why we are happy to do it.
"This year we're in our 20th year and we have raised over $5.3 million since we began in Tully Gym all those years ago. Our funds not only go to Children's Miracle Network but the FSU College of Medicine's Pediatric Outreach Program, which helps bring healthcare to children in Gadsden county, one of the poorest counties in the state of Florida that is only about 45 minutes away from us," said Brooke Shafer, a member of DM Executive Board as Family Relations Chair. Not only does she give her time to the Exec Board, but she has also fundraised over $2,500 FTK.
Anyone who loves DM can tell you how much fun it actually is, despite the unpleasant sound of being on your feet for 20 hours. After a certain amount of time, your delirium starts to subside and adrenaline kicks in full force. When this happens, you start to have the best time of your life, taking advantage of all the activities offered. There are snack bars, merchandise tables, mani/pedi stations, and even massages. You can buy any of these amenities to get yourself through the shift. The best part is, any money spent at DM obviously is FTK. A favorite of the activities is the Silent Disco. You get a set of headphones, choose some music, and dance with your friends (or alone) like nobody is watching.
A major benefit, and reason to fundraise like a maniac, is the incentives you get at the event. The more you raise, the better things you get. Once you make it to the Comma Club, you are assured movie time, a trip to the snack bar, massage chair time, and an unlimited guest pass for a person of your choice, a.k.a your coffee slave.
Not only is DM a great way to help the community and give back to your world, but it is also an amazing time to spend with friends and make new ones along the way. So many organizations at FSU participate, there are endless opportunities to hang out with people you may not have the chance to, otherwise.
Most would agree that the part about DM that will move you the most, is the closing ceremonies when you and the miracle families get to see how much money has been raised.
"The total reveal where we get to see all of our hard work on display, after 40 hours of two shifts, it's so incredible being able to see the passion for DM instilled in all of the dancers," explained Shafer. "We are a group of leaders on this campus who believe that change is possible when we all come together and that is something that we wish to instill in the lives all each student on FSU's campus."
Last year, the students of FSU were able to raise $781,196.22 for this amazing cause, and in its entirety, over $5 million. For a student run organization to achieve this is almost unheard of. With all the hype and hard work being put into Dance Marathon 2015, there is high hopes that we can reach the $1 million mark for the 20th anniversary. There is still time left to donate and even become a volunteer. The best way to make the most of your time with DM is to fundraise hard beforehand, and then take advantage of every opportunity at the event. Think of it as a just say yes type of experience.
