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For 25 years, BW's Dance Marathon student organization has helped raise money to fight pediatric aids.
Last week, students, staff and alumni on the Baldwin Wallace campus danced like it was 2010 again as the theme for the 25th Annual Dance Marathon let students take a step back into their childhood. BW's Dance Marathon is an event in support of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF). The student-led philanthropic group raises awareness and funds to support EGPAF's mission. BW has the longest-running Dance Marathon to benefit EGPAF.
The event drew in 50 participants from BW and raised $1,567 for the foundation. Dance Marathon has raised over $500,000 for the foundation since 2001. Students arrived at 3 p.m. and danced until 12 a.m., excited and happy to come together for a great cause.
During the event, participants played Just Dance, watched a 25th anniversary slideshow, bought tickets for raffle baskets, ate cotton candy, made bracelets and participated in a DIY section where they could decorate their shirts however they wanted. There was also a service hour with BW's Circle K chapter, during which dancers decorated lunch bags for Meals on Wheels, created first-aid kits and learned CPR.
Baldwin Wallace Dance Marathon was created in 2001 to support EGPAF in its goal to eradicate HIV and AIDS in women and children. By providing life-saving testing and treatment, EGPAF works to educate communities and reduce the transmission of pediatric AIDS. As a proven leader in the movement for an AIDS-free generation, the foundation serves as a dedicated advocate for children, youth and families worldwide.
Dance Marathon is organized by a board of six students from different years and majors, who meet regularly and host promotional events. This year, they had a Valentine's Day-themed root beer float stand to raise awareness about the dance. The board members are excited to keep Dance Marathon's legacy going and are very grateful to be working with such an important cause.
"I have had the great pleasure of being on the board for the past four years and the honor to have been running it for the last two," said Sophia Franks, Dance Marathon student director.
"Dance Marathon has taught me so much and has been such an impactful part of my time here at BW. I always joked that Dance Marathon was like my baby because of how much time, effort, and care I have poured into it over the years. I am sad that this past Saturday was my very last Dance Marathon, but I am excited to pass it on and keep the tradition alive to see how it further develops.
"It has a legacy on campus, being one of the longest-running traditions as well as being the longest-running college organization that has been partnering with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and I am truly honored to have been able to play a small piece in the puzzle and lead something so much bigger than myself."
Hailey Fisher, Dance Marathon marketing coordinator, commented, "Both BW and EGPAF missions aim to make meaningful contributions beyond their immediate communities. They have a shared commitment to compassion and service that helps create meaningful impact, reflecting a common goal.
"BW focuses on enabling students to become caring, innovative, and engaged citizens, while EGPAF works to advocate for children and families that have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Supporting EGPAF through BW allows many students like myself to put the university's values into action and help make a positive difference not only in our community but around the world."
These students hope to continue raising money and awareness for this incredible organization for years to come.
