It's finally the spring semester. You signed up for Dance Marathon months ago knowing it would be an amazing and memorable experience.You ignored your hesitation and agreed to raise $150. You knew you have plenty of time...how hard can it be right? Here you are, weeks out from the marathon and so far you haven't raised a penny...

Let's face it- the idea of meeting a fundraising goal is a little scary...but have no fear, I'm here to help! Here are 5 great (and easy) ideas for raising money to reach your personal dancer total:

1. Social media, social media, social media

If you can’t tell by the emphasis, social media is the best place to start. Put the time you spend on social media to great use and spread the word to all your friends, family, and followers. Something like “Hi friends! Join me in supporting the patients and families of UNC Children's Hospital with Carolina For The Kids. My goal is to raise $150. I am so excited to participate in the 2017 UNC Dance Marathon on March 24 and 25 but I need your help! Please visit my dancer page (insert link here) to donate!” will do the trick!

2. $1 a day

It might not sound like much, but saving $1 a day from now until the marathon will add up to be much more than you would think! If you start now, you could raise at least $50!

If setting this as a personal goal for yourself doesn’t sound like something you would want to do, challenging a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle to do this is easy and attainable. Asking someone to donate $1 a day until the marathon makes the act of donating much more personal and meaningful.

3. Sacrificing one Starbucks drink a week

I get it. You’re in college, so, naturally, that means you’re fueled by Starbucks. As we know all too well, Starbucks can be pretty pricey and it can also add up quickly. Sacrificing one Starbucks drink a week (come on, it’s FTK) is a great way to raise money for the cause. Just think - if the average Starbucks drink costs you $4 and there are 9 weeks until the marathon, that could be $36 towards your dancer total!

4. Maximize your spring break

By the time spring break arrives, you are approaching the finish line for fundraising. Don’t panic because spring break is a great opportunity to fundraise! Take some time over break to visit your hometown neighbors and friends.

Fill them in on your wonderful college experience and don’t forget to tell them about Carolina FTK. Chances are, they’ll be more than willing to support you and the patients and families of UNC Children’s.

5. “Change it Up”

If you’re anything like me, your wallet is weighed down by what seems like 200 coins. The perfect way to lighten your wallet and make a difference at the same time, is to collect spare change to donate.

Your parents, friends, and family members will probably feel relieved to lighten their load and make a difference at the same time. It might not sound like a monumental idea, but your coins will definitely add up!

I hope these ideas motivate you and encourage you to keep pressing on with your fundraising efforts. The patients and families of UNC Children’s are so worth it and every penny you raise this year is so important and meaningful in the overall mission of Carolina For The Kids. Happy Fundraising!

If you're interested in donating, please visit my dancer page: http://uncdm.convio.net/goto/aorman

This article is based off of my original article, "5 FUNDamental Fundraising Ideas," for the Carolina FTK blog. It can be found at http://www.carolinaftk.org/blog