Bethany Olson from Sanford Children’s Hospital – Sioux Falls wins 2023 Hospital Advisor of the Year

Miracle Network Dance Marathon recognized top performing Dance Marathon programs at the Dance Marathon Leadership Conference (DMLC) held in St. Louis, MO from August 3-6. 

Congratulations to Bethany Olson from Sanford Children’s Hospital – Sioux Falls who was recognized as the 2023 Hospital Advisor of the Year!  

Bethany was nominated by both Dance Marathon programs that she supports in her role, with both applications speaking to her willingness to support students in a variety of aspects, often going above and beyond to ensure they have the support needed to execute whatever goal or objective is at hand.  

Not only has Bethany helped to advise each of these programs individually but she has also bridged a relationship between these two programs whose schools are fierce rivals. By encouraging collaboration and finding opportunities to bring together boards through events and joint fundraisers the programs now see each other as a resource instead of rivals.  

Those who nominated Bethany also shared that she brings passion, dedication, humility and a genuine personality to all interactions she has with her programs – ensuring to also check in with them as people first, frequently asking a simple question of “how are you doing?” 

Additionally, each semester Bethany takes the time to spend a day on campus with the students meeting individually with Executive Board members to answer questions, hold a check in and provide feedback while getting to know the students beyond the positions they hold in Dance Marathon.  

Bethany provides her students with everything they need for success from setting up collaboration opportunities for them, to ensuring they receive a variety of professional development experiences. Congratulations, Bethany! 

Miracle Network Dance Marathon is an international movement, involving over 400 colleges, universities and K-12 schools across the United States and Canada that fundraise for their local member hospital of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. These students work tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds one dollar at a time by making the ask to family and friends. Their hard work culminates in a celebration on campus or virtually, where participants can rally together as a community for their local member hospital of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Students involved in Dance Marathon gain valuable skills in fundraising, peer management, delegation, and philanthropy. Miracle Network Dance Marathon programs have collectively raised more than $350 million since 1991.