Month: December 2016

Fundraising for Dance Marathon at UF is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. Reaching your goal after a long year of raising money is a feeling that you will keep with you forever. But sometimes, it can be hard to think of new and innovative ways to raise money! Here are bunches of fun and different ways you can help raise money FTK:

1. Starting off on the easier spectrum would be to call family and friends! By explaining what you are doing and where the money is going, they will understand how great this philanthropy is and want to help you raise money. Some key phrases you might want to tell them are:

“All of the money we raise through DM at UF goes straight toward new state-of-the-art medical equipment, enhancements for the children’s stay more comfortable, and funding for research grants and educational programs.”

“Every dollar helps create miracles for the kids.”

Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you haven’t spoken to in a while! Old teachers and friends are a great resource for donations.

2. Another great way to earn money quickly is through Venmo requests! Choose any small amount ($2.62 is great because symbolizes the hours of DM) and simply send Venmo requests to your friends. People are more likely to donate if they see a small number, but if you send it to a lot of people, the numbers add up!

3. Have a special hobby? Use that to your advantage! Whether it is holding a bake sale (who doesn’t love cookies or cake pops?) or making dream catchers, sell what you make For The Kids! Post about what you are selling on social media to make sure the word gets out and you can reach a wider audience.

4. My favorite idea for raising money is to have an incentive. Pick something funny to do such as wear a onesie to class all day, post old embarrassing pictures of yourself, or if you’re adventurous, dye your hair if you reach your goal within a time frame. Make a social media post announcing to your friends and family that if you reach your goal, you will have to carry out the incentive!

Having trouble thinking of more ideas? Sit and brainstorm with a few friends to come up with new ways! There are no limits on the way you can fundraise for Dance Marathon.

-Paris Olkes

Susannah Schrimscher Collins’ journey with Dance Marathon began her freshman year, selling cookies in Turlington Plaza on campus to raise money for her Dancer spot. One could say that her journey truly began eight years prior, as she witnessed her sister participate in Dance Marathon while she attended the University of Florida. While Suzy was in middle school, she watched her sister’s college experience be transformed by Dance Marathon. From then on, Suzy envisioned becoming a part of the organization herself.

Suzy served Dance Marathon as a Dancer for 2 years, a Dancer Relations Captain for 1 year, and the Dancer Relations Overall Director for 1 year. When reflecting on her years in college, Suzy confides that Dance Marathon brought her some of her most cherished friendships & memories. As it does for many others, DM instilled within her time in college a unique purpose for which she is forever grateful.

When on her first tour of UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, Suzy’s passion for DM blossomed as she was able to see firsthand the direct impact Dance Marathon had on the lives of the children and families it served. For her, Dance Marathon encompassed and reflected her own passions and values and she could not pass up the opportunity to be a part of it.

“Dance Marathon taught me that change takes action, and that action begins with us. Dance Marathon taught me that unity comes when we connect over something greater than ourselves and to accomplish something great, we have to work together. Dance Marathon taught me that we can each use our unique gifts to bless someone else instead of simply using them for ourselves.”

Suzy’s favorite memories are mostly comprised of the moments she was able to spend with one of the Miracle families and her Dancer Relations team. All of the laughs and tears shared with her team are testaments to the value of each and every hour she devoted to Dance Marathon.

“If I could tell any UF student one thing, it would be to dive into Dance Marathon and give it all you can. It will make your time at UF one of the most meaningful experiences of your life.”

Graduates like Suzy continue to give back by joining Dance Marathon at UF Alumni. Click here to learn more and join today.