IUDM raises record $1,520,418.21 for Riley Hospital

As the IU Dance Marathon came to a close early Sunday morning, crowds of more than 1,000 dancers, IUDM committee members and other supporters used the last of their dwindling energy to cheer as the final totals were unveiled.

The amount raised this year – $1,520,418.21 – was another annual record in the event’s 19-year history. Last year’s total was $1.37 million.

But organizers said making and breaking records is not the point.

“We never set a monetary goal,” IUDM President Casey Crouse said. “We know that if we continue to build support and participation across campus, we will accomplish our number one goal, which is to raise awareness about Riley Hospital and its cause.”

The announcement was made at 8 a.m. Sunday and marked the end of the 36-hour marathon, which began at 8 p.m. Friday. All the funds raised at IUDM benefit the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease at the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.

For those in attendance, the event meant claiming temporary residence in the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation gymnasium and staying awake for almost the entire weekend – a task not easily accomplished. 

“There are ups and downs. It’s hard, especially when there is a lot of down time,” said sophomore dancer Logan Stohle, after 25 hours. “My feet hurt, but the end is near.”

Dancers and committee members spent the weekend dancing, playing games and listening to inspirational stories from the 40 to 45 families of current and former Riley Hospital patients who were at the event. 

“Even the stories that I know by heart still affect me,” said senior Dayna Sheinberg, director of dancer relations. “I still cry; I’m still so inspired.”  Many of the IUDM activities were designed to further inspire the dancers. An “Inspiration Tent” highlighted the lives of Riley patients such as Ryan White, an AIDS victim who died at age 18 and for whom IUDM was originally created.  

There were multiple performances, including Straight No Chaser, speeches from surprise guests such as IU men’s basketball coach Tom Crean and a talent show put on by the Riley children, where the kids lit up the stage with dance, song and even karate. 

“The talent show was the most memorable part,” junior IUDM committee member Katie Sauter said. “All the kids came up and it really reminded us of why we are here.”

At the close of IUDM, Crouse took the stage for the last time and asked the younger dancers to carry on the dance marathon legacy, specifically the legacy left behind by his sister, Ashley Crouse, who was killed four years ago in a car accident while serving on the IUDM executive board. 

Members of the audience tearfully promised to oblige. 

“I want to help carry on Ashley’s legacy,” Sauter said. “I am in Kappa (Kappa Gamma), and my sister was (also) at the same time as Ashley. I feel a special connection to this.”

IUDM means a great deal to many students on campus, but it means an even greater deal to the children it benefits, Sheinberg said. 

“I would do this every weekend if I could,” she said, “especially if it would mean helping the kids.”