Dance Marathon is one of the largest student-run organizations in the entire state of Ohio and on campus here. From Extra Life to the 24 event called Ziggython and the 180 mile bike ride from Cincinnati back to BG, students from all different organizations come together to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network. The funds raised at BGSU go directly to Mercy Children's Hospital in Toledo. The money raised from DM goes to: Mercy Autism Services, Mercy Hippotherapy, Mercy Family Care Team, and Mercy Child Life Department.

What are the events?

Extra life is an international 25 hour long gaming event. This includes games such as video games, card games, computer games, etc. At BGSU the event is 12 hours long and anyone can come together to play games, enter tournaments and win all kinds of prizes.

Bikes for Tikes is a 180 mile ride form Cincinnati back to BG and takes place the same weekend as Ziggython. Students raise money all year to bike in this three day journey across the state. B4T is the only one of its kind in Ohio and is a program that is unique to the nation.

Ziggython is a 24 event where students STAND for the full 24 hours. Dancers cannot leave the event but moralers can come and go. The best part about being a moraler is that you can go get food for your team, or whoever, help and support the dancers through the full 24 hours. Ziggython can be tiring and challenging but every year, hundreds of students stand and raise money during this event.

How much did BG raise last year?

Last year BGSU raised $452,251.41!! How crazy is that!! BGSU's Dance Marathon brings all different organizations together to bike or dance each year. I have personally participated in one way or another with DM for 4 years. I danced, I was on two different core committees and this year I will be a moraler. Dance Marathon at BGSU has given me so much joy and has held a huge place in my heart for the past four years.

Why should YOU join Dance Marathon?

You should join Dance Marathon because this gives you the chance to be a part of something bigger than yourself, and bigger than anything you've probably been involved with. Being at DM and seeing the miracle children dancing and walking around playing games give you so much joy and makes you think that there is hope in the world. Dance Marathon gives people hope, it gives the miracle children and their families hope for a better future. You have the chance to be a part of something that will help so many families in need and support them through their tough time. BGSU was one of the first five colleges to participate in Dance Marathon! That's a huge deal here!

(Ziggython 2015)