FOR IMMEDIATE REALEASE

UI Dance Marathon 28 Big Event

IOWA CITY IA – This past weekend on February 4th and 5th 2022, the University of Iowa Dance Marathon was able to host its second virtual Big Event as well as celebrate the past 28 years of creating miracles.

With only 30 days until the Big Event, the decision was made to move the event to a virtual format in order to ensure the safety of Dance Marathon families. A livestream was hosted on their website and families zoomed in to share their stories. “We wanted to make everyone feel connected in the safest way possible,” Sarah Schminke, Public Relations Director, said.

The tote board that went up at the end of the 24 hours was not only a reflection of how much money was raised, but a reflection on the amount of work and effort each and every person put in to this year in order to make that number possible. This number captured the Endless Hope Dance Marathon participants have for the kiddos and families. Hope for more birthdays, more laughs, and for more than 4% of funding going towards cancer research. The number revealed embodied everything stood for during the year and was possible thanks to all of the members, community support, and love that people shared with Dance Marathon. Dance Marathon 28 raised a total of $1,361,184.28.

This year, the iHeart Radio Call for Kids with Cancer Radiothon contributed $149,678.88.  The amazing community of runners who participated in the Chicago Marathon fundraised $139,657.39 collectively. Members who also participate in Fraternity and Sorority life raised $110,792.89. The Mini Dance Marathons, held by local schools, ended with a total of $77,994.13 and Dance Marathon Alumni raised $90,610.16.

With fundraising efforts this year, emotional and financial support will continue to be given for pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant patients and their families treated at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. This year’s successes were made possible by many acts – both large and small – from everyone in the community, all to uphold the promise to fill the hearts of children and families affected by cancer. Fundraising efforts do not conclude with this year. Dance Marathon children and families are the inspiration behind our lime.

Media Contact:

Sarah Schminke, DM28 Public Relations Director

DM-publicrelations@uiowa.edu