Kean Dance Marathon Sets Sixth Straight Fundraising Record
Kean students proudly display the final fundraising tally for the Kean Dance Marathon.
More than $54,000 raised for Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside
The Kean University community danced its way to a sixth straight fundraising record at the Kean Dance Marathon (KDM), raising $54,175 for Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside.
The marathon has raised more than $230,000 for the hospital since it began in 2014.
At the marathon, hosted by the Kean Greek Senate, teams of students dance for 12 straight hours. The event was held on Friday, April 12 from noon until midnight at Harwood Arena.
“KDM is an event that exemplifies the leadership and compassion of the Kean student body,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Janice Murray-Laury. “Each year is better than the year before because Kean students understand that service is fundamental to building healthy and sustainable communities.”
“The dance marathon was a huge success,” said Vice President of Programming for the Greek Senate Gabriella Lapointe, a senior from Howell majoring in special education K-12 and history. “With the hospital being right in our backyard in Mountainside, it feels right to raise awareness and funds to support the work that they do.”
Throughout the year, student teams raised money at bake sales, clothing sales and other events that added to the tally at KDM.
“There were so many students who were engaged throughout the whole event because we were all there for the same cause, for the kids,” Lapointe said.
Various activities were held throughout the marathon, including raffle giveaways and a ‘morale dance.’ Every hour, on the hour, students went on stage and taught the crowd a short dance routine in order to boost their energy and keep them going for another hour.
"There was so much positive energy throughout the event,” said Omar Dixon, a senior criminal justice student from Egg Harbor. “The morale dance was my favorite part. Even people who didn't think they could dance participated. It was nice to see everyone come together and have fun for a great cause."
KDM’s organizers have a reputation of excellence to maintain, added Lapointe. The students and faculty involved are committed to making next year’s event an even greater success.
