Serving and Swerving
Writer: Sara F. Editor: Kyla M.
Marking the end of a year-long Dance Marathon fundraiser, over 1,800 students gathered in the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center to celebrate Marathon weekend. DM is Florida State University’s largest student-run organization, fundraising for kids in need of pediatric and medical care. Participants are on their feet for a combined total of 30 hours in honor of those who can’t.
Student leaders spend the year planning for the Marathon weekend. Organizing events within the Tallahassee community and planning campus-wide fundraising pushes, Panhellenic women are involved in every aspect of Dance Marathon, sharing one common goal: to make a difference for the kids.
The leaders of Dance Marathon were thrilled and grateful to be back in person for the first time in two years. Due to the unprecedented events of 2020, last year's Marathon was held virtually. Regardless of the obstacles, students raised over 1.5 million dollars this year.
2022 Executive Director, Evalee M., is a member of Phi Mu responsible for leading the Management Team, Executive Board, Coordinators, Directors, and Captains. Alongside setting significant goals and leading large initiatives, she also works with FSU Staff, Advisors, and the UF Shands Representatives.
Joining Phi Mu allowed Evalee to be introduced to their internal philanthropy, Children’s Miracle Network. She instantly fell in love with the cause and was encouraged by her sisters to seek a leadership role. Being a part of Dance Marathon gave her insight into the hard work and impact that goes into the organization. Meeting the miracle kids and bonding with those families gave Evalee a source of inspiration and a support system throughout the entirety of the Marathon weekend.
“No matter the time, no matter the work, no matter what – these people never gave up their fight for our kids,” Evalee says.
She believes that the impact from this year's Marathon will inspire a whole new generation of change-makers. Evalee is thankful for everyone who gave their time and effort to make the event possible.
Alongside Evalee, (a recruitment counselor), a member of (redacted for Formal recruitment), serves as the Dancer Relations Director for DM. For the past 11 months, she has managed a five-person team to coordinate and execute the year-long fundraising effort and Marathon. (This recruitment counselor) also oversees the Membership, Outreach, Recruitment, and Morale Chairs and externally communicates to all dancers, parents, and alumni.
“I wanted this leadership position so I could give back to an organization that has given me so much. I have loved getting to know so many different people from every corner of campus. My passion for DM and making miracles has only grown fonder,” (recruitment counselor) says.
(This recruitment counselor) has been a part of DM for six years. She participated for three years in high school and worked on the Recruitment teams as a Captain her first year at FSU, and then a Coordinator her sophomore year. The biggest takeaway from this position was making every moment count. She is grateful for the experiences, lessons learned, and new friendships this program has brought about.
Another leader who impacted DM this year is Kait R., a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. This year, Kait was a Recruitment Coordinator, recruiting and tabling events such as Child Health Day and fundraising pushes throughout the year. As a membership liaison, her position also included marketing to other clubs around campus.
Kait got involved her first year as an Inspiring New Leader after being encouraged by older sisters in her chapter to join. She went on to serve as an Outreach Captain her sophomore year, and the Chapter Delegate for AOII last year.
Her love for DM allowed her to connect with the FSU community and meet Panhellenic women in the community. Sharing her “why” with new people has been essential to Kait, as she pushes to further student involvement in DM and around campus.
“DM at FSU has helped me become the person I am today. I don't think I can express how thankful I am for this organization, and I can't imagine my college experience without it. Seeing these children fight so hard and be so passionate about this cause is inspirational and something I will never forget. Dance Marathon will always hold a special place in my heart,” Kait says.
Seeing the hard work, passion, and drive to solve bigger issues to make more miracles takes a whole community, not just one person.
Audrey M. serves as the Kappa Delta Chapter Delegate this year. Her passion for DM allowed her to take this opportunity to share that love with her sisters. Her experience began when she was a senior in high school, continuing to be a DM dancer throughout her FSU career before accepting the delegate position this year as a senior in college.
Audrey's love for helping children will surpass her college experience, as she plans to do nonprofit work with children. She loves connecting to Kappa Delta’s miracle child and dancing alongside other organization members.
“DM has been such an integral part of my college experience. So many of my happy memories, friendships, and accomplishments can be attributed to DM. If you have the chance to dance, take it,” Audrey says.
Dance Marathon has allowed members of our community to explore leadership potential, connect with each other, and support a great cause. As Panhellenic women continue to become involved in the organization they are helping to make a difference on FSU’s campus and for the kids.