15-hour dance marathon to raise thousands for Dayton Children’s

Wright State students have raised more than $277k in six years for kids at Dayton Children’s. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Wright State students have raised more than $277k in six years for kids at Dayton Children’s. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Wright State University’s biggest student-lead fundraiser of the year kicks-off this morning and dances well into the night.

From 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. in the Student Union Apollo Room, the Raiderthon dance marathon will take place to raise money for Dayton Children’s Hospital. Since 2013, event has raised more than $277,800 for Children’s.

Raiderthon is hosted by the Wright State Miracle Makers, a division of The Children’s Miracle Network, which supports local children’s hospitals. Wright State’s Miracle Makers supports Dayton Children’s Hospital. According to a Wright State report, proceeds from Raiderthon will help pay for medical equipment, such as infant incubators, pediatric vein finders and premature baby diapers and supplies for patients and their families.

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Throughout the day at every top of the hour, “miracle families” and “miracle kids” who have been treated at the hospital share their story about how Children’s has impacted their lives. Some 370 dancers who have raised funds for months will use the miracle kids testimonials to get a last push of donations from friends and families.

Alexis Hobbs, Miracle Makers’ donor relations director and future organization president, said in past years some dancers have even donated their hair on stage— encouraged by the promise of more donations.

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“I kind of had a go big or go home attitude and decided to apply for president,” Hobbs said. “I think for me, it was amazing to see how much as college students we can do for these kids at Children’s. I’ve been lucky enough to be healthy so I wanted to give back to kids that aren’t as lucky as I’ve been. I love this organization so much.”

In addition to individual donation contributions from Raiderthon participants, Hobbs said Marion’s Piazza donates $5,000 each year to the cause. In 2018, Raiderthon raised $34,202.

Hobbs said the community is encouraged to come to the event to watch the dancers and make donations of their own. Anyone interested in donating to Miracle Makers’ Raiderthon can visit raiderthon.org to donate online.

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