Month: November 2017

 

As Transform Today has come to an end, we reflect on the passion, support and unity exhibited on this special day.

We set a goal to raise $500,000 in 26.2 hours for 500 individuals whose lives have been transformed by one fearless fight against childhood illness.

Throughout the day, campus was painted with every color of Dance Marathon polos. Captains, ELPs, and supporters passed out flyers and canned to raise money and awareness.

The Plaza of the Americas, a free speech area on campus, was decked out in DM.

Overall Captains took pies to the face for donations, Miracle Children encouraged participants and supporters to keep pushing to reach their goals, an ELP lead an FTKardio class, free tie-dyeing took place with the purchase of a Transform Today shirt and the Wall of Fame was set as an incentive to raise $500.

A lot was happening, but it was the comradery, dedication and desire to make an impact that left a mark on all who took part in Transform Today.

At Dance Marathon at the University of Florida, our goal is to Redefine Tomorrow. We strive to do this so that one day no child will battle against life-threatening illnesses.

Days like Transform Today motivate and inspire us to continue working to make a difference. It serves as an example that together we can do anything we put our minds to.

As we move on from Transform Today, I encourage you to think about how you can make individual strides to Redefine Tomorrow in your everyday life.

The question is, how will you Redefine Tomorrow?

– Sarah Bartholemy 

Fundraising comes in all different shapes and sizes, and can go far beyond sending texts or emails. Need ideas for creative ways to raise money in these 26.2 hours? Check out some of the different ways Dance Marathon participants are raising money to #TransformToday.

Jeana Fraser, Emerging Leader:

Jeana posted a graphic on Facebook listing different favors and services she could offer in exchange for donations. Some of these included inspirational texts for $2, or editing a resume for $15.

“I’ve been going on coffee runs, giving people rides, and creating resumes for them,” she said. “I’m doing this because I’ve already asked a lot of people for donations and want to raise as much as I can.”

Justin Weidenfeld, Dancer Relations Captain:

Justin decided to make omelettes for anyone who donated $6 to his Donor Drive.

“I chose to make omelettes because I’m not the most talented person, but I make some pretty delicious omelettes,” Justin said. “I sold them for $11 and actually made a few IOU omelettes for friends who had class. I raised a little over $150 on the three hours!”

Scottie Andrew, Outreach Captain:

Scottie took her talents to her friend’s Facebook timelines, offering poems, reenactments of their favorite vines, or a motivational speech, each for $1 donation. Additionally, she is offering to pick up people’s food from Hospitality Night restaurants and personally deliver it to them.

“I don’t get behind anything I don’t believe in wholeheartedly, and I really do believe in DM [because] I’ve seen the good it does,” Scottie said. “I was trying to target fellow students [to get donations], so I chose things I’d pay money for.”

If you’re still at a loss for donation tactics, try some of these:

• Doing laundry
• Giving rides
• Selling baked goods
• Walking dogs
• Washing cars/scooters
• Selling clothes