Dance marathons are a nationwide movement wherein students and their surrounding communities raise money to donate, such as to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

This incredible tradition has spread to almost 500 schools, both high schools and colleges alike. Terrance Somesla-McCornell, senior prekindergarten-12 special education and history major, states, “Other schools were doing dance marathons so we thought why not Kean [University]. Since then we worked with Lauren Rosenthal and she has worked extremely hard to create programs, fundraisers and events to make our KDM the best it can be.”

At Kean University, the dance marathon is affectionately referred to as KDM or Kean Dance Marathon. It is typically actuated by those within the community who create teams who compete to raise the most money. The teams at KDM can be Greek, athletic, residents, alumni, faculty or whoever and there is no limit as to how many members can be on one team.

On Tuesday, November 10, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Greek Senate hosted the KDM Kick-Off. Students, faculty and alumni gathered in the balloon-and-streamer-adorned Miron Student Center (MSC) Atrium to enjoy music, baked goods, pictures and performances. Attendees enjoyed a live performance by the Kean Gospel Choir, a show from the newly founded Kean University cheerleaders, and much more. Attendees could support KDM by purchasing baked goods provided by Greek Senate and Greek life.

Cheerleaders getting ready to perform at the kick-off
Brooke Roderick l The Cougar’s Byte

The kick-off was a fun way to get the word out about KDM and succeeded in its purpose: to inform. Somesla-McCornell references this as being one important way students can help the cause. He states, “Students can support the cause by simply just putting the word out about the KDM event. The more people know about the event the more people will come out and or support it. We are always looking for new people who want to help the cause and make a difference.”

Despite KDM being relatively late in the school year, the Kean community begins fundraising for KDM early. All throughout the year, leading up to the designated date of KDM, teams raise funds through bake sales, clothing sales, donations letters, canning and various other creative ways. On the day of KDM, participants dance, eat and play games for 12 hours. Last year, KDM was in April from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and the event raised over $25,000. This year, the goal is set at is $30,000.

KDM is an extraordinary opportunity for the general populace. For students it can be particularly advantageous. For those that create teams for KDM, they develop their critical thinking skills as they create new and innovative ways to raise money. As young adults who are still developing their character, college students who participate in KDM are cultivating a spirit of giving, empathy and social responsibility. Somesla-McCornell states, “KDM can be beneficial [for] college students by building character because it is an event that requires you to raise money for someone else other than yourself.”

Additionally, participants form new relationships as they join teams and make friends. And because any and everyone is welcome to participate, KDM brings a diverse and vast community of people together. Somesla-McCornell continues, “…this event is for anyone who wants to help, so even if you aren’t in a club or in Greek life you can still make your own team and join the event.” Consequently, people who may have otherwise never met or interacted are introduced to one another. Most importantly, everyone comes together to raise money for a good cause that nurtures the youth. Overall, KDM is really a unique way to get everyone involved in something bigger than themselves.

For the second year in a row, Greek Senate is sponsoring and hosting KDM. At Kean University, Greek life embodies service, scholarship, individual growth, leadership, personal development, campus involvement and brotherhood and sisterhood. KDM is a way for them to demonstrate, promote and maintain these ideals.

Somesla-McCornell asserts, “This program shows how actively involve[d] our Kean community is.”

Every minute, 62 children enter a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital for treatment—that's nearly one child every second. These dance marathons raise funds for nearly 200 children’s hospitals across North America. Since 1983, their efforts have raised more than $5 billion. These donations are dedicated to supporting research and training, purchasing equipment, and paying for uncompensated care. In doing this, the cause provides millions of sick children comfort, treatment and hope. Whether they suffer from common childhood ailments such as asthma and broken bones, or combat larger challenges like birth defects or cancer, they have the support of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

Since its introduction to Kean University, KDM has been an exceptional way to enhance the community and students simultaneously. Every year, when the time comes, everyone comes together to work toward the common vision of saving children’s lives. This year, Kean University is hoping to retain the title of the largest miracle network dance marathon in New Jersey. To begin fundraising and or create a team for the event, go to the website.

These girls believe, “Every child deservers the change to SHINE”
Emily Gabriel l The Cougar’s Byte