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The Elmira College Dance Marathon club members proudly displayed their fundraising total for the year after a long day hosting community members with games, a bouncy house, and a fun dance routine. As the students turned over their display cards, they rejoiced to see that the total showed they beat their goal of $10,000, raising $10,356.30. The money raised is donated to the Arnot Ogden Medical Center Children's Miracle Network and supports the neonatal intensive care unit, often referred to as the NICU.
"I was beyond ecstatic when we revealed that we had beaten our fundraising goal,” shared Jx Graham, ECDM club president and Human Services major. “Not only is it an amazing cause that I am happy to support, but I know that my fellow students and I put a ton of work towards making the day magical for the kids, and it was the cherry on top to see it reflected in our total. We've had a ton of support from the College and local communities, and I cannot thank them enough for helping to make this all possible."
ECDM club members raise money throughout the year, with the Dance Marathon serving as the culminating event. The club held its first Dance Marathon in 2015, and has raised more than $81,000 since that first event. The money goes toward the purchasing and maintenance of NICU equipment at AOMC and helping local families pay for services.
The Dance Marathon event is an all-day affair that takes months to plan. The students select a theme, organize games and donations, and promote participation and registration. Throughout the day, families who received NICU care, called Miracle Families, share their personal stories.
This year, the ECDM club chose a fairytale theme to bring a sense of whimsy for the children attending. Bobby K Entertainment supplied a bouncy house, and EC students designed games and other fun activities to keep the children entertained. Throughout the day, ECDM club members and event participants learn a choreographed dance. By the end of the day, the students put the whole dance together to perform before they announce their fundraising total.
The event organizers received community support from area businesses, which plays a big role in the success of the event.
A special thank you to:
Food vendors: Pietro & Son Italian Restaurant, The Starlite Room, Hill Top Inn, Pudgie’s Pizza, and Sprinkled and Crafted
T-Shirt donations: IBEW Local 139 and Pastrick’s Sporting Goods
Event activities and volunteers: Vanessa La Diva, Kelly Gray, Emily Duggan, Dr. Doc Billingsly, Melanie Moon, Sydney Coleman, Kris Zero ’23, James Blair ’23, Timmy Lee, Zachary Raffino, and Dr. Charlie Mitchell
Raffle donations: The Hevey Family, Made by Auntie Linz, Jen Anderson, MetaDreams, Meowvin Creations, Buffalo Sabres, Museum of Science and Technology, Rosamond Gifford Zoo, New York Giants, Clemens Center, Arnot Art Museum, Utica Coffee Roasting Co., Pittsburgh Steelers, Vincenzo’s Pizzeria, Rochester Museum and Science Center, New York Jets, and Dippity Do Dahs.
“I am beyond proud of our student executive team, who dedicated countless hours since last spring to make this event happen,” shared Sydney Stringham, Director of Alumni Engagement and ECDM Advisor. “Surpassing this year’s goal is a testament to their passion and commitment to our community and the #ForTheKids mission. I’m also grateful to the businesses and community members whose contributions made this event an incredible success! We’re looking ahead to next year, and donations can be made anytime. For more details on how to support our cause, contact me at sstringham@elmira.edu.”