University of Idaho students and Moscow community members danced the night away during the second annual Dance Marathon put on by ASUI.
ASUI’s second installment of the event benefitted the Children’s Miracle Network, raising money for Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital in Spokane, Washington.
The event began Friday night and lasted until dawn Saturday morning in the Bruce M. Pitman Center. All funds from the event went to Sacred Heart for long term children’s care. Sacred Heart is the closest facility to UI for intensive child care, with the next closest facility in Portland.
Last year, ASUI raised $5,600 for the Children’s Miracle Network. This year, the goal was set at $10,00.
“No matter what amount of money we raise, it’s for the kids. We are raising money to help the next generation of future college kids,” said Hagen Hunsaker, vice chair of public relations for ASUI.
Hunsaker said ASUI’s goal is to fundraise annually for the Children’s Miracle Network and to expand their monetary contribution as the event grows.
“For almost everyone, cancer is an emotional trigger. This event is a fun way for college kids to get together and give back,” Hunsaker said.
Dance marathons across the country in conjunction with Children’s Miracle Network have raised more than $200 million for children’s hospitals in North America, with all funds raised locally. As of 2016, more than $32 million was raised according to Children’s Miracle Network’s official website.
This year’s event was open to the public, including UI students and families of children involved with the Miracle Network or Sacred Heart.
“We are hoping that in five to 10 years, this event will grow to attendance up to 1,000 people, and hope that this is the place to be on campus,” said Shelbs Burkhart, chair of Vandal Entertainment.
Activities for the 13-hour long event included karaoke, Zumba exercise, international music hour, 80s throwback hour and other forms of music genres.
Other activities at the event include Jenga, giant checkers, and finger painting with refreshments and snacks provided.
“ASUI is a really good chance to get people to expand their horizons, I always recommend people to join ‘Street Team’ for Vandal Entertainment, which volunteers and promotes events like this with a behind-the-scenes look,” said Kendyl Smith, Vandal Entertainment board member.
Dominique Stout can be reached at [email protected]