For the first time at Wright State, students will have the opportunity to participate in Raiderthon, a charity dance marathon organized to benefit Dayton Children’s Hospital.
The event will be held in the Student Union Atrium on Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
The 15-hour fundraiser will feature 15 local children with illnesses. One child will be featured each hour of the marathon. During the dance marathon, participating students and faculty have a chance to meet the children and their families.
Though several other universities have put on similar events, Kyle Powell, WSU student and marketing director for Raiderthon, says there is one quota WSU needs to meet.
“[University of Dayton] raised $50,000 last year, and we are very close to beating that goal,” said Powell.
The money raised by the event is intended to benefit the featured children. However, a portion of the funds will be routed to WSU, which will use the money to purchase updated equipment for the children's hospital.
Event coordinator Casey Slater said she is very excited to be a part of Raiderthon. Slater, who has participated in similar fundraisers at other universities, gave a description of the event.
The children will also be featured by Miracle Network, which is an organization that hosts fundraisers for children. Miracle Network is working in conjunction with WSU and Dayton Children’s Hospital to help organize the event.
“This is such a powerful event, and it has changed my life and my career path,” said Slater.
Kyle Powell, who is also involved in Student Government, said he enjoys being part of the cause as well.
“I think it is a great event to connect with the community,” says Powell.
Organizations, including the College of Nursing and Student Government, have joined to support the event by forming teams. Each person attending the event will join a team that will work together to raise money, and keep each other on their feet and dancing from start to finish.
Powell said he is working to spread the word about Raiderthon by sending emails to students about the event, handing out wristbands and chalking on campus sidewalks.
Did you know? Raiderthon has already raised over $7500 for Dayton Children’s Hospital
