Dance Marathon is a special event that Campus Activities Council (CAC) hosts each year. Different organizations on campus have been the host of this event, and it has not been too long since CAC adopted it as one of its official events.  I am proud to say that this year Dance Marathon raised over $73,000 to support Children’s Miracle Network, and that this amount was doubled by Children’s Hospital Foundation to equal over $146,000 to Children’s Miracle Network.

The reason this event is so awesome is because almost every student organization at OU forms a team to raise money for this cause. Fundraising starts in May and ends during the event. Volunteers, or dancers, dance the entire night to celebrate the money they have raised. At OU, we have a basketball, volleyball, and dodge ball tournament going on while everyone can dance. There is also lots of food, laser tag, and the Children from the Children’s Miracle Network to occupy your 8 hour night in our fitness center.

This year was my last Dance Marathon and I almost was not able to attend, but with some rescheduling I was so excited not to miss my last (and I think best) Dance Marathon in my four years. I had so much fun dancing and getting others to participate all night long. We had laser tag in one of the workout classrooms. The children really had fun dodging the laser shots and aiming at the older college kids. The children’s carnival before to kick off the event was awesome and had decorations! It really created a fun and inviting atmosphere for the kids and their families. The families were very appreciative for the night of fun for their children. It is a very rewarding experience and event to attend. I think everyone should go at least once, if not all four years, in their college career.

Although Dance Marathon takes place on campuses across the nation, our Dance Marathon is very unique because the programming branch of the student government plans the event and coordinates with all the other student groups. CAC provides the planning aspect to the event to keep people dancing all night and having fun. Dance Marathon at OU has opportunities for every single person on campus to get involved with the event. If you like fundraising, dancing, eating, children, fun, friends, or publicity, Dance Marathon has a place for you.