Raiderthon 2023 | Photo by Monica Brutto | The Wright State Guardian
Wright State University’s philanthropic organization held its dance marathon to raise money for Dayton Children’s Hospital.
The purpose and outcome
Miracle Makers held its tenth annual Raiderthon on Apr. 1, in the Student Union Apollo Room. During the 12-hour dance marathon, Miracle Makers raised $50,687 for the Dayton Children’s Hospital, with all proceeds going directly to children in need.
Amber Barga, the president of Miracle Makers, stated that the event was entirely non-profit, with the group receiving a budget from the Student Organization Budget Committee and outside sponsors.
“This event goes directly to the children’s hospital. We don’t get any benefit from it, so it’s something that’s completely philanthropic. It goes all the way back to the community, and it’s something that is open to anyone out in the Wright State community and in the surrounding communities,” Barga said.
Miracle Makers began preparations for the event last fall semester. Leading up to Miracle Makers event of the year, the organization advertised through campus and social media, encouraging students to register as an individual or through a student organization where the teams were then sorted into team colors.
Incentives grew for larger donations: registering provided access to the event, a fanny pack and a water bottle; a donation of $25 provided meals and snacks throughout the day, a participant t-shirt and 5 raffle tickets; a $100 donation gave a light up bracelet, 10 raffle tickets and an exclusive bead of courage; a $250 donation got all of the above plus sunglasses, 10 more raffle tickets and a front of the line meal pass.
The event ended with the final reveal, where students learned that donors raised $50,687 for the hospital, a $18,533.54 increase from last year’s total of $32,153.46.
Over the last ten years, Miracle Makers and Raiderthon have raised nearly $450,000 for Dayton Children’s Hospital.
Registration and event
Participants could register beforehand through Miracle Makers, but the organization also welcomed walk-in registrations with a $10 donation and freebies, such as fanny packs and water bottles.
The Raffle Room included Wright State University merchandise, Kings Island tickets, a massive WSU quilt, gift cards to local businesses, a voucher for $100 off a tattoo and much more.
The day started with an opening ceremony at noon to get the participants excited and motivated for the next 12 hours.
Miracle kids, who were either treated at the hospital or are currently being treated there, also shared personal stories to thank the participants for support.
The day was packed with various activities, including Jello wrestling, pie in the face, a lip sync battle and games. There was also an alumni hour, a music therapy team and an Angel Hour, where Miracle Makers commemorated a child who had passed away.
Throughout the day, Marion’s Pizza catered lunch and Fazoli’s catered for dinner.
A little over 300 people registered for the event, making it the biggest turnout since before the COVID-19 pandemic. This was in spite of the fact that Miracle Makers shortened this year’s Raiderthon from 15 hours to 12 hours.
WSU fraternities and sororities could also engage in a friendly competition with jars with each Greek life organization just outside the dance floor for donations.
Behind the organization
Many participants and Miracle Makers leadership attended solely because of the cause of the organization.
Miracle Makers Morale Captain of the last four years, Renee Dollenmayer, led the charge in teaching participants portions of a choreographed dance throughout the night to culminate in a full performance at the end of Raiderthon.
“So, I joined Miracle Makers because I was treated all my life at children’s hospitals, so the cause is very important to me, and then also it’s so fun to get to raise money for something that hits so close to home,” Dollenmayer said.
Last year’s donation went to the mental health sector of Dayton Children’s Hospital, but this year, the donations will be given to the area of most need, which the Dayton Children’s Hospital determines.
Vice president of finance, Emma Garee, managed the finances of Raiderthon and reflected on joining Miracle Makers.
“I didn’t know a lot about Dayton Children’s going in. I had been treated at Nationwide Children’s Hospital—I’m from the Columbus area—and I know they put in so much effort there. And then I got to tour Dayton Childrens, and I was amazed, and then I heard that Miracle Makers does so much for the hospital,” Garee said.
The Dayton Children’s Hospital never turns away a family who can not pay, and often, these donations go to much-needed medical support, such as insulin and chemotherapy treatment.
Barga and the Miracle Makers team extended a heartfelt gratitude to anyone who participated in this year’s Raiderthon.
