By Elijah Mckenzie
The Student Activities Center was buzzing with song and dance on Friday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 20. The University of Louisville Dance Marathon was underway. U of L students and faculty were up all night, dancing and participating in other activities in the SAC, raising money for Kosair Children’s Hospital.
From September until the beginning of December, students registered for the event at a reduced cost of $30. After that time, students paid $60 per person until the Very Last Chance to Dance was offered in early February, allowing two students to register for $80 and enter in a drawing for $300 meal plan from Sodexo.
Registration fees were used to support programs and services offered at Kosair Children’s Hospital. Kosair treats more than 107,500 children each year, regardless of the family’s ability to pay for treatment.
“ULDM is a fantastic way to mobilize U of L students to make a difference in the Louisville community,” said Aakriti Mehta, a senior biology and Spanish double major. “It is more than just fundraising. The event raises awareness about the need at Kosair Children’s Hospital and brings students together to foster civic engagement and a dedication to service.”
Businesses throughout the city have rallied together behind U of L students to support the event. Local companies such as ValuMarket and Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club have pitched in their support, as well as large franchises like Denny’s, Starbucks and Chili’s.
To meet the continuing needs of the community, the burden on Kosair to expand its services has grown. The Cancer Care and Renal Center, which funds research to help children with cancer, and the Foundation Office of Child Advocacy, which promotes health safety to kids, are among many of Kosair’s services that will be impacted by student donations for the Dance Marathon.
