Dance Marathon at the University of Houston
Date of Event: February 13-14
Location: Houston Room, University Center
Time: TBA
Dance Marathon is the newest tradition at the University of Houston. This site will give you information on what Dance Marathon is, who benefits from this event, and how you can get involved with the event. We, the Executive Board and Advisors, are very excited that Dance Marathon has come to the University of Houston. Many other schools have successfully hosted this event, resulting in millions of dollars raised for Children's Miracle Network and its affiliated hospitals. We hope that you take some time to learn about Dance Marathon and become involved to help jumpstart this new tradition that not only benefits our University but also helps provide specialized healthcare to children that need it most.
Get a Glimpse of Dance Marathon: Quicktime / Windows Media
Children's Miracle Network Dance Marathon program began in 1995 when Indiana University raised more than $60,000 after their third event for the Ryan White Infectious Diseases Fund. This fund was established by the Indiana University Dance Marathon Council (IUDMC) at Riley Hospital for Children, a Children's Miracle Network hospital in Indianapolis.
The tradition of dance marathons began as a contest in which the last couple standing was declared the winner. That concept began to change in 1973 when Penn State's Interfraternity Council began a dance marathon as a fundraiser. By 1977 it had set a length (48 hours) and was an annual benefit for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State's Hershey Medical Center. Today the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon raises over $2 million annually.
Thanks to the help of students at Indiana, Penn State and many schools since the onset of their partnerships, Children's Miracle Network Dance Marathon program has grown tremendously. In 1995, the first year of the program, four universities raised $142,000 for kids treated at Children's Miracle Network hospitals. The following year, 10 schools participated and raised over $300,000. Currently, dozens of schools and tens of thousands of students across North America participate in Children's Miracle Network Dance Marathon. As of 2003, 90 schools are planning Dance Marathons to benefit Children's Miracle Network hospitals.