Some of the classics, including Chubby Checker’s “Twist” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” kept participants moving at the fourth annual Dance Marathon held in the University Center’s Houston Room this past weekend.
Participants included Greek organizations Phi Mu, Delta Upsilon and Tau Kappa Epsilon, as well as a number of other UH students. Contributions from dancers and sponsors totaled over $14,500, which will benefit the Charity Care Program at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Christine Sirrieh, a communications sophomore and recipient of the largest individual fundraiser award, supports Dance On because of its unification of students, children and their families.
“You didn’t see children with illnesses present,” Sirrieh said. “Everyone was together and having fun, and that is what matters.”
Dance On, the largest student-run philanthropy effort nationwide, is dedicated to showing support for patients of Texas Children’s Hospital and raising financial awareness for their families. Leomia Jones, senior in Marketing/Management Information Systems and overall chairperson for Dance On 2011, is extremely passionate about the cause, and her involvement with Dance On has increased over the last three years.
“I enjoy working with kids so once I heard about the cause, I had to get involved. I also love that Texas Children’s Hospital doesn’t turn away patients based on insurance or income,” Jones said.
Many of the participants adopted the unofficial motto “For the children” as they mustered up enough energy to stay awake throughout the night. There were a number of former patients present who participated in Wii games, balloon relay races, Ping Pong games, and dances with the Dance On participants.
Southern gospel music singer Keri Len Spivey has performed at Dance On for the past four years and hopes to continue doing so in the future. Although she is only in 6th grade, music moves her and each year her involvement and support for Dance On grows.
Dance On continues to touch patients’ lives with each passing year.
Alejandro Martinez, an 8th grader and patient of Texas Children’s Hospital since the age of two, is grateful for Dance On because it gives him hope for the future.
“I am trying out for the junior varsity baseball team next year … I have so many things to look forward to in life, and I am very thankful for that.”
well written!