Dancers from around the community will unite in honor of patients at Iowa City Children’s Hospital for the annual Big Event, hosted by UNI Dance Marathon March 7.
Before the event takes place, many other fundraisers are held throughout the year to raise money for both the Iowa City Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Miracle Network.
The money raised helps the children and their families feel as close to home as possible during their stay at the hospital. Last year alone, the organization raised $176,498 according to the UNI Dance Marathon website.
The dancers in particular, made up of approximately 1,200 students and community members, put in a lot of work to help raise money for the cause. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed by the UNI Dance Marathon members.
“They’re really what makes our organization as strong as it is,” said Tyler Shuck, junior political science major and director of recruitment for UNI DM.
As a way to give back, UNI DM is dedicating a whole week to the dancers to show their gratitude and appreciation. The week of events were created to fit the interests of the marathon dancers.
To kick off the week, UNI DM gave out free Orange Crush in the Union on Monday. With this day being forty days away from the Big Event, UNI DM challenged all of their dancers to raise forty dollars in hopes to grow their current total and become closer to their goal of raising $225,000 this year.
On Tuesday, the dancers decorated cookies in the union with orange icing. The Texas Roadhouse giveback night took place that night, where 10 percent of all restaurant sales went to UNI DM.
The Dancer Appreciation Week festivities continued Wednesday night at Beck’s, located on College Hill, where karaoke took place and the cover charge was donated to UNI DM.
Black Tie Affair, one of UNI DM’s most anticipated events of the year, is to take place Thursday night starting at 9 p.m. in the Threehouse. Those who attend will be dressed in formal attire, and provided with free food and Red Bull. Games such as poker and blackjack will also be played and a dance party will take place in the basement.
Friday night, dancers will be able to meet the Miracle Kids and their families at the UNI women’s basketball game and see a half-time show performed by UNI Dance Marathon. This event begins at 7 p.m. in the McLeod Center.
UNI DM will be wrapping up dancer appreciation week Saturday, when they host a Day of Dance Benefit held in Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. This event includes ten acts and features local dance teams and the Brazilian 2wins.
