Raiderthon, now in its third year, raised $46,500 for Dayton Children’s Hospital at its dance marathon Saturday.
The money raised this year came solely from the students and support from Wright State University, no outside companies had an impact. The students raised $8,000, which is more than the students raised in 2013.
The event had activities such as an air-band contest, wing-eating contest, Zumba, yoga and a screening of Big Hero 6.
At the top of each hour different miracle children and their families were introduced. They were able to talk to the crowd, share their stories and explain how Dayton Children’s Hospital has played an important role in their lives. There was no shortage of gratitude as each family thanked everyone for their contributions in helping make the event a success.
Also, each hour the morale captains taught a different portion of a choreographed dance routine to the crowd and the participants danced the number in unison.
Adam Center, the president of Raiderthon shared his reason for dancing and being involved.
“So why I dance is when I was 10 years old my cousin was diagnosed with cancer and was treated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital,” Center said. “I fell in love with the event and I keep getting more involved.”
The evening culminated with “the revealing” as the participants learned how much money was raised.
Katelyn Lambalot, 21, explained why “the revealing” was her favorite part.
The very end when they reveal the number, it shows that the six months I’ve put into the event have paid off,” Lambalot said. “I have a close friend that grew up at Dayton Children’s and it hits close to home.”
Julia Stechschulte, 21, shared that she not only loves helping the kids, but also the friends she makes through Raiderthon.
“The kids are a really big inspiration to me, hearing their stories is really awesome,” Stechschulte said. “I enjoy all of the friend I make through being a morale captain and meeting people on my team.”
Will Krueger was the emcee of the event and kept the crowd energized.
“I decided I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself and help be a driving force behind this organization,” Krueger said. “At the very end when we reveal our number is the most emotional, exciting and anticipated part of the day.”
“It’s for a good cause, it’s for the kids, anything for them,” WSU student Ricky Day said. “I really enjoy watching everybody dance.”
