Fontbonne University Dance Marathon raises record total amidst COVID19 challenges
In their fourth year, amidst challenges from COVID-19, the Fontbonne University Dance Marathon team raised a record total of $29,004.20 for St. Louis Children’s Hospital and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.
Though their Dance Marathon year was cut short by school closures and the University’s decision to move to virtual classes, the Fontbonne University Dance Marathon (FBU DM) team didn’t let that stop them from showing up For The Kids when they needed them the most.
On April 18th, the FBU DM team gathered together on Zoom for their first ever Virtual Event from 4-10pm. When it was time for the event to start, each student reached into their participant package that was sent to their home with goodies that would be used throughout the day and kicked off their celebration.
In their package was:
– A 2020 Dance Marathon event shirt
– A CMN Hospital band
– A laminated sheet and dry erase marker so they could participate in games
– A CMN balloon that was used to write their “why” during challenge hour
– Oreo cookies- for a snack break
– A Dance Marathon Sticker
– A Dance Marathon Pin
– Dance Marathon branded scrunchie
– Lastly a sealed envelope with “do not open” written on the outside
Starting with opening ceremonies, then morale dance sessions, then trivia, family stories, snacks, free dance time, fundraising challenges, a special senior ceremony, and so much more, their event was fun for everyone who tuned in to see it.
At the end of the event, it was finally time to look inside the sealed “do not open” envelope. When the students opened the envelope, they found information and a new sticker revealing the surprise re-brand that the team had been planning all year. Fontbonne University Dance Marathon, now known as GriffinTHON, ended their event with a re-cap video, senior send off, and an incredible total reveal. The reveal included the $7,981.38 raised that day during their virtual event which pushed them to a new record of $29,004.20 – for most funds raised in their program’s history!
Congrats Fontbonne University, GriffinTHON!
