IUDM makes last push before dance marathon to raise additional funds

With the start of this year’s IU Dance Marathon less than two weeks away, volunteers are trying to raise as much money as possible.

IUDM Director of public relations Lindsey Fox said the group is ready for the 36-hour fundraiser.

“We definitely are prepared,” Fox said. “This is the final push. We’re all really excited.”
Last year’s IUDM raised $1,041,197.20 for the Ryan White Infectious Disease Center at Riley Hospital for Children. Fox said the charity hopes to raise more than last year’s total, but beating the number is not the basis of the event.

“We always try and raise as much money that we can,” Fox said. “We don’t have a specific goal. It’s not really about a big number. It’s about how much money we can raise for the kids.”

IUDM is a year-round fundraising organization. Fox said there have already been various events such as 3-on-3 basketball tournaments and percentage nights in which local restaurants give a portion of their earnings to IUDM. As usual, registered dancers are asked to request donations from family and friends.

Other organizations on campus also have donated to the cause. Phi Kappa Psi’s second annual Haunted House last week raised $700 for IUDM. Phi Kappa Psi President and junior Spencer Smith said the house wanted to pair with a sorority or organization for the event, but decided to donate to the dance marathon.

“We decided to pair with IUDM because a lot of guys in the house volunteer,” Smith said. “It’s an extra little fundraiser just to help them out.”

There also have been major changes to IUDM this year. IUDM President and senior Matt Hodes said new features include a new way to collect money online and a canned food drive for United Way of Monroe County. Hodes also said they are working with IU Student Television to broadcast the event live so people around the country can watch the marathon.

In addition to making sure each part of the marathon will be ready to go for Nov. 14, Hodes is also focusing on next year’s event.

“We turn over IUDM right when it’s done,” Hodes said. “My job is to make sure everyone’s focused on this year’s marathon, but we have to think about the future.”

According to IUDM’s Web site, all money must be turned in by Monday, but the total is not announced until the last hour of the marathon on Nov. 16. Hodes said he remembers how he felt last year when he learned they broke $1 million.

“I was really happy,” Hodes said. “I was a part of the executive council last year. When we’re all standing in a circle, everyone gets teary eyed. I looked around and realized how proud I was for all we had accomplished.”

Fox said volunteering with IUDM has been fun, but also has taught her the real meaning of volunteering.

“It’s a great way to get involved not only with IU, but with the Indiana community, and to give back to people who really need it the most,” Fox said. “It’s given me a purpose.”