Sun Devil Dance Marathon raised more than $10K for children’s hospitals

Sun Devils danced for a great cause at the annual Sun Devil Dance Marathon on March 13 to raise funds and awareness for children’s hospitals.

The celebration was held on ASU’s Tempe campus at the Sun Devil Fitness Complex fields. It benefitted both Phoenix Children’s Hospital families and raised awareness about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a nonprofit organization that provides support to more than 170 pediatric hospitals across the country.  

ASU’s Sun Devil Dance Marathon, a student-run organization, partners with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to work to provide year-round support for PCH kids and their families in fun, meaningful ways. The Dance Marathon is one of the biggest events the student organization plans every year, said Rachel Eder, founder and executive director of Sun Devil Dance Marathon and a junior studying psychology, neuroscience and biological sciences. 

The 2021 Dance Marathon was on the SDFC Fields in Tempe.

The free, fun-filled event was open to Sun Devils from all campuses and included giveaways, live performances, music, activities, all-you-can-eat Noodles & Company catering, gift bags and T-shirts. 

Children's Miracle Network is the only children’s charity committed to having 100% of the funds raised remain local. The organization has raised more than $300 million for kids across North America, ensuring that no child or family fights pediatric illness or injury alone.

According to Eder, the event was originally planned to be a traditional dance marathon but was modified to ensure social distancing; it was also hosted virtually. Instead of having participants dance in close proximity, people enjoyed outdoor activities that were spread out in a large area, Eder said. 

“We are kind of adapting it a little bit for this year. We are going to have socially distant games and activities. Usually, it would be like a huge big dance event for hours,” Eder said.

Although the organization appreciates any donations, people didn’t have to donate to attend the event. This year’s event raised $10,121.

“We just really want to get to celebrate the kids at the hospital and just try to tell everyone a little more about our organization and get everyone kind of excited to get involved,” Eder said. 

Sun Devils interested in joining the movement or donating can do so by texting sddm to 51-555; all donations will support PCH families.  

“All of our fundraising efforts go toward them so just getting to support them a little more,” Eder said.

More information and updates on the Sun Devil Dance Marathon can be found on Instagram, Facebook and its website.