What is Dance Marathon?
Dance Marathon is a nationwide philanthropic event that takes place on Wartburg’s campus. It is completely student-run and requires year-round planning in order to fundraise money to send to the kids at the University of Iowa’s Children’s Hospital, which is affiliated with Children’s Miracle Network. The day of the event, MARCH 10, 2012, is the party held for everyone’s accomplishments. We honor the families of treated patients at the event and provide lots of exciting entertainment. Dance Marathon is a way to get involved, make instant friendships, help children in need, and give back to the community. Essentially, it’s FOR THE KIDS!
What is the Children's Miracle Network?
Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has grown dramatically since its founding in 1983 from a televised fundraiser in a small studio to one of the North America's leading children’s charities. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was founded with two simple goals:
- Help as many children as possible by raising funds for children’s hospitals.
- Keep funds in the community in which they were raised to help local children.
The organization was founded by Marie Osmond and her family, John Schneider, Mick Shannon and Joe Lake.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ most recognizable symbol and greatest fundraising tool is its red and yellow Miracle Balloon icon.
As of 2011, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4.3 billion—most of which is donated a dollar or two at a time.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals…
- Treat over 17 million patients each year.
- Treat 98% of all children needing heart or lung transplants.
- Treat 88% of all children with cancer.
- Treat 76% of all children with cystic fibrosis.
- Treat 90% of all children with sickle cell anemia.
- Treat 72% of all children with pediatric AIDS.
- Train 60% of all pediatricians and 80% of all pediatric specialists.
- Educate families and communities about issues like child safety seats, bike helmets, and bicycle safety.
- Provide $2.5 billion in charity care each year.