Iowa State University's Largest Student-Run Philanthropy. Raising money year round benefiting the children & families served by U of I Children's Hospital.
Dance Marathon began at Penn State University in 1973. By 1977 it had a set length (48 hours) and was an annual benefit for the Four Diamonds at Penn State’s Hershey Medical Center. Today “THON” is the biggest Dance Marathon in the United States and raises over $8 million annually for the Four Diamonds Fund. Much has changed since those days and many more Universities have adopted Dance Marathon as an organization within their community. While a few Dance Marathons still remain as independent organizations raising money for separate causes, many have partnered with Children’s Miracle Network. Every year Dance Marathons across the nation come together to be the largest donor to Children’s Miracle Network, donating more than $12 Million in 2010 alone.
Iowa State Dance Marathon has been helping children with life threatening illnesses for 14 years, giving financial and emotional support to hundreds of families across Iowa. All of the money raised through our event is given directly to University of Iowa Children’s Hospital through Children’s Miracle Network.
The first Dance Marathon at Iowa State was held in the spring of 1998. The event was sponsored by the Greek Interfraternity and Panhellenic Governing Councils. It was held in Beyer Hall and was only 10 hours long. The day was a great success and raised over $20,000.
Much has changed since that first Dance Marathon. Today, as the largest student run philanthropy on campus, Dance Marathon holds two 12-hour events and supports over 80 families from across Iowa. In 2012, with the help of nearly 900 dancers, 200 committee members and countless volunteers, ISU Dance Marathon raised over $400,000. Since its beginning, Dance Marathon has raised a total of $1.5 million for University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. Dance Marathon represents a life changing experience, complete with the opportunity to meet Iowa children and families who have directly benefited from University of Iowa Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network.
Each year ISU Dance Marathon continues to grow and make a larger impact on our families across Iowa. With your help, we hope to continue this wonderful tradition of college students making a difference!
For more information on Iowa State University Dance Marathon, please feel free to check out dm.stuorg.iastate.edu
Miracles, Smiles
