SDSU Students Dance Their Way to 84K for Rady Children’s Hospital

Students at San Diego State University raised more than 84k for Rady Children’s Hospital during the Annual Aztec Dance Marathon. The marathon, which ran from February 12 – 13, included more than 500 Aztecs who danced for 15 hours straight.

The money raised by SDSU was the most of any West Coast college, beating out the University of Colorado, Boulder, which raised $70,000 during its dance marathon. During each hour of the marathon, students danced and families shared stories about their experience at Rady Children’s Hospital.

The “Dance Marathon” was part of a nationwide movement that takes place in more than 450 schools around the country to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Students and faculty from Student Life and Leadership at SDSU planned for the event throughout the year. Their goal was to raise $100,000, after raising over $40,000 the year before.

Students who signed up for the dance marathon set a goal and were then given a link to share with their friends and family to ask for donations. The majority of participants were from Aztec fraternities and sororities. Other participants formed their own groups, such as resident advisors, who encouraged hall members to attend.

In a news article from the University, Tiana Hodzic, a freshman, and member of Alpha Chi Omega, spoke about her experience.

”I’m here because I like kids, and 15 hours is really daunting, but just to see them smile is amazing,” she said. “It’s even cooler that the patients are here to participate.”

Alongside the 15-hour dance party, the event included a variety of games and activities to give patients and students a chance to interact. At the end of the night, at 8:00 am, after dancing for 15 hours straight, students were notified about how much they raised for the hospital.

“It was for a great cause because we were standing for the children who couldn’t,” said Mireille Garcia, a resident hall advisor. “Hearing their stories and strength was really touching.”

 

regions: San Diego

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