OSU students raise money for kids with fourth annual Dance Marathon

Thursday, February 19, 2015

More than 2,000 students will be on their feet for hours on Saturday in support of the Children’s Hospital Foundation during the Oklahoma State University Student Government Association’s Dance Marathon.  The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the Colvin Center Annex.  

Boasting the mantra “For The Kids,” over 200 student volunteers work throughout the year to raise money for pediatric research while supporting children treated in Oklahoma. This year’s funding raising goal is $100,000. Last year students raised over $75,000 

The 12-hour event will include a variety of activities: live music, performances, plus an opening ceremony introducing some of the children who directly benefit from the fundraiser.

Coley Ralston, Vice President of Outreach for Dance Marathon, has been involved since the initial event in 2012 and holds the event’s purpose close to heart.

“What a joy it is to see a child beaming because they feel so loved and special,” said Ralston. 

Excitement for the cause doesn’t stop at the student level. Kent Sampson is director of Campus Life at OSU and is an avid supporter of this student-driven event. He says engagement experiences like this one can be life-changing events for students.  

“The Dance Marathon is exciting for our students because it allows them to work with an outside organization for a well-deserving cause,” said Sampson. “Giving students service opportunities is an important foundation of the educational experience at OSU.”

Dance Marathon Executive Director Chris Stockton is looking forward to seeing the fundraising reveal at the end of the event.

“It represents all of the hard work that people on our team have done throughout the entire year,” said Stockton. 

For more information, to register or donate visit the Dance Marathon website at okstatedm.org. 

Story by Katie Rosebrook