THE DANCE MARATHON AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RECEIVES THE DANCE MARATHON 2022 MERCHANDISE AWARD

Miracle Network Dance Marathon recognized top performing Dance Marathon programs at the Dance Marathon Leadership Conference held in Atlanta, GA July 21-24, 2022. 

The Dance Marathon at the University of Florida knows the value of merchandise in spreading awareness, providing recognition for hospitals and sponsors as well as a great incentive for participants and supporters. The Dance Marathon at the University of Florida felt that merchandise was an integral part of the organization’s goals this past year and ensured that their merchandise had a meaning behind each and every piece. The Dance Marathon at the University of Florida wanted to create something that people would wear and remember the message their program was trying to share with the community.  Before the Main Event in March, merchandise dropped five different collections with various pieces and styles, each having a different message behind it. 

For example, one of the collections was the Kids Collection which was created with the intention of feeling like a you are a kid again while wearing it, while also reminding individuals of the cause behind the clothing. Beyond spreading the important message, merchandise had a profit of $85,667.87 this year, increasing by 53% from 2021.

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 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 6–40-hour celebration on their campus or virtually, where participants have the opportunity to rally together as a community for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. 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 $300 million since 1991.