SDSU Students To Dance for 18 hours for the Kids Who Can't
San Diego State University student organization, Dance Marathon at SDSU, returns for their ninth annual event.
Over 1,500 San Diego State University students have pledged to bounce, wiggle, Dougie, or do whatever it takes to stay on their feet for 18 hours straight at this weekend's Dance Marathon at SDSU (DM). They're doing it for fun but most of all, they're doing it to raise money and awareness for pediatric health.
The overnight celebration is the culmination of a yearlong fundraising effort to benefit the young patients and families at Rady Children’s Hospital, the region's only designated pediatric trauma center. Donations help cover medical costs for families in need, purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment, and to upgrade playrooms and build other amenities.
Dancers will fill Montezuma Hall in hopes of raising a record-breaking $401,230. During the event, attendees will hear stories from Rady Children’s “Miracle Kids” about their road to recovery and dance alongside them and their families.
The DM, the university's largest student-led philanthropy, has surpassed $2 million raised for Rady Children’s Hospital since the first event in 2015. SDSU’s inaugural DM raised $40,314.
In addition to dancing, this year's event will feature competitions, games, performances, students in costumes for themed hours, and a Kiddo Art Auction. The celebration closes Saturday morning with a ceremony and final fundraising reveal.
Dance Marathon at SDSU is part of a network of dance marathons nationwide that benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funds for local children’s hospitals.
The overnight event takes place from 5 p.m. Feb. 24 to 11 a.m. Feb. 25 at Montezuma Hall in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. The dance marathon is open to all students, faculty and community members.
For more information or to register for the event, visit the DM website or the DM Facebook page.
IF YOU GO
Friday, Feb. 24
5:00 p.m. – Doors open
5:45 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies and performance of the Morale Dance
6:10 p.m. – Kiddo Red Carpet and Rady Rockstar introduction
7:00 p.m. – First family story and Kiddo Talent Show
9:15 p.m. – Kiddo Art Auction
Saturday, Feb. 25
12:00 a.m. – Madi Taylor Vigil
10:30 a.m. – Closing Ceremonies and final fundraising reveal
*Family stories occur every hour on the hour
