For the past six years, Ladue has hosted and organized their own Dance Marathon fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network. This event raises money for the children in Ladue’s specific Miracle Network Hospitals, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and SSM Cardinal Glennon. This year the event is set for Saturday, February 6th. The Dance Marathon executive board, largely student-run, has been meeting and fundraising since last spring in order to plan the big celebration.
“Ashley Byer and Hannah Suffian are the Executive Directors leading a board of over 20 students in planning the event.” Michael Farrell, one of the teacher sponsors, said. “The board was chosen last spring and work began then, went on over the summer, and has continued throughout the school year up to this point.”
Every Tuesday night, the executive board meets and discusses the best ways to fundraise and plan the event. The six-hour event marks the end of the fundraising for these Miracle Network Hospitals. All the participants come to dance and celebrate the money raised.
“It’s a celebration of all the fundraising that we’ve done throughout the whole year.” Ashley Byer, one of the executive directors, said. “Miracle kids, which are the kids affected by the illness and diseases, they come speak. We have different theme hours and different games and food. It’s very fun.”
The main goal of the fundraiser is to support the kids. The money goes directly to the the children in the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in St. Louis. This money is used in helping families pay for everything, from art therapy to expensive medical tests.
“The slogan is for the kids.” Byer said. “We always set a monetary goal. But the overall goal of the whole day and event is to just raise as much money as we can for the kids.
As well as raising money for a great cause, this event strives to teach the Ladue community about the benefits and joy of charity and giving back. Dance Marathon embodies the true meaning of generosity.
“The ideal outcome is that we teach students the importance of giving back to the community– the habits of philanthropy and community service.” Farrell said. “We want to raise money, but we also want participants to feel the joy that comes with doing something altruistic.”
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