With the help of an anonymous $50,000 donation, the 2002 Dance Marathon raised $111,897.43 this past weekend, shattering its supporters' wildest expectations.
"For those of us who have been involved in the Dance Marathon for many years, that single moment when we received the $50,000 anonymous donation was so emotional because the amount was more than we had ever received in one year," Morale Committee Chairman Kemper Steele said.
The fourth annual Dance Marathon took place from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday in Memorial Gymnasium. The event attracted 150 participants and about 325 spectators during open hours.
Proceeds from the Dance Marathon are contributed to the Sarah DuBose Fund, which benefits the Newborn Intensive Care Unit of the University Medical Center. Sally and Charles DuBose founded the charity after the premature birth of their daughter, who was cared for at the center in 1994.
The unprecedented $50,000 donation was made by a guest at Sally DuBose's Parents Ball, an event occurring simultaneously with the Dance Marathon and benefiting the same cause. This private black-tie event took place at Alumni Hall and raised over $85,000, which was added to the more than $26,000 raised directly by the Dance Marathon.
Morale Committee members received the check after teaching the guests at the Parents Ball a line dance, and they brought the gift back to Memorial Gymnasium to the delight of participants.
The Dance Marathon has grown every year since it began in 1999, with enhanced participation and increased fundraising. The first Dance Marathon raised approximately $8,000 and last year it raised approximately $44,000, Steele said.
This year's figure dwarfs that sum and continues to grow.
More donations still are trickling in, Dance Marathon Accounting Chairwoman Julie Agostini said.
Each hour of the marathon featured a different musical theme. Three bands performed, as well as many groups that performed during the a cappella hour.
"Each hour was named after a movie," Agostini said. "For example, the eighties hour was named 'The Breakfast Club.'"
The two final segments, or "family hours," not named for a movie, undoubtedly were the most emotional.
During these hours, children who have graduated from the NICU came to dance and play with the Dance Marathon participants. At the culmination of family hours, the dancers joined hands with the children and formed a circle with their eyes closed while music played in the background.
"There wasn't a dry eye in the house," Steele said.
Both participants and spectators said they were equally touched by the day's events.
"I have never felt so truly humbled in my entire life," said Ann-Henley Saunders, a first-year college student and morale committee member. "Dancing for these kids was an honor"
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