Indiana University Dance Marathon Raises Record-Breaking $440,079.23 in 24 Hours

On October 6, Indiana University Dance Marathon set a goal of raising $250,000 in 24 hours during their #DayOfHope. By 5:30pm, they had already surpassed $200,000 and decided to up their goal to $350,000. By 8:30pm, IUDM had surpassed $300,000 and decided, once again, to be bold and increase their fundraising efforts in support of Riley Hospital for Children.

At 12:15 am on October 7, hundreds of Indiana University students gathered on campus along with nearly 1,000 Facebook Live viewers, to celebrate $440,079.23 raised in 24 hours.

Indiana University truly embodied what it means to harness the power of a movement.

$440,079.23 in 24 hours is a large feat, one that has never been accomplished by a Dance Marathon program in history. Indiana University Dance Marathon embodied everything this movement stands for yesterday; “united by passion, powered by hope.”

https://www.facebook.com/IndianaUniversityDanceMarathon/photos/a.333012580136610.64403.332644116840123/913477955423400/?type=3&theater

IUDM engaged students on their campus, challenging them to reach out to friends and family to ask for donations.

Today, in honor of the Day of Hope, I will donate 25 cents for every retweet I get to IUDM. Idc if this goes viral. https://t.co/WBjxH09X1O

— Riley Proffer (@Proff_11_) October 6, 2016

Today is IU Dance Marathon’s annual Day of Hope! We are attempting to break a Children’s Miracle Network Record and raise $250,000 in a single day for Riley Hospital for Children but we need your HELP! We are so close to reaching our goal and every dollar matters!! You can help be the HOPE in a families life today! If you donate, COMMENT on this video with something goofy you want me to do! To DONATE, click on the link in my Bio! #DONATE #FTK #DayOfHope #IUDM http://donate.rileykids.org/goto/colinringas

A video posted by Colin Ringas (@colinringas) on Oct 6, 2016 at 2:20pm PDT

Students performed a flashmob on campus to catch attention from anyone walking by.

https://www.facebook.com/IndianaUniversityDanceMarathon/videos/913626112075251/

They also engaged with students on campus and worked to raise awareness for their Day of Hope on their social media campaigns.

Almost time for our first social media challenge of the day! pic.twitter.com/iaFyVzL7SQ

— IUDM (@IUDM) October 6, 2016

It's time for Challenge #2!! pic.twitter.com/InoQnYJoEY

— IUDM (@IUDM) October 6, 2016

Welp, it's official…. WE'VE BROKEN $200,000!!! pic.twitter.com/xvuGd8KOen

— IUDM (@IUDM) October 6, 2016

YUP THIS JUST HAPPENED. pic.twitter.com/eDgSShMUpt

— IUDM (@IUDM) October 6, 2016

IUDM challenged dancers to raise $8,000 in 30 minutes in honor of Ashley Louise Crouse, an IUDM Executive Council member who passed away in 2005. The students continue to honor Ashley’s legacy by including her initials, ALC, on all IUDM apparel. An anonymous donor agreed to match the fundraising completed during this challenge, helping the program to raise over $16,000 in just 30 minutes.

We have been challenged by a donor to raise $8,000 between 8-8:30 pm in honor of Ashley Louise Crouse. pic.twitter.com/c0cWJXXtEO

— IUDM (@IUDM) October 6, 2016

Students gathered on campus at midnight as the final fundraising total from the day was revealed.

We couldn't settle for only raising $250,000 in a day. #nofear #nonewsmeefs #lovegistics #dayofhope

A photo posted by IUDM Lo(ve)gistics (@lovegistics) on Oct 6, 2016 at 10:34pm PDT

Thank you, everyone, who helped make today the best day of our lives. For Ryan. For Ashley. For the kids. #DayOfHope pic.twitter.com/SWUenY6dav

— IUDM (@IUDM) October 7, 2016

Our Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Indiana Champion, Marlee, was fast asleep by the time Indiana University Dance Marathon announced their #DayofHope total so her family gave her a special total reveal the next morning.

https://www.facebook.com/CMNHospitalsDM/videos/1814438728772366/

Indiana University Dance Marathon was founded in 1991 as the first Miracle Network Dance Marathon program benefitting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Since it’s founding, IUDM has raised over $24 million for Riley Children’s Foundation. The students host a 36-hour Dance Marathon event each November to culiminate their year-long efforts raising funds and awareness. This year, their Dance Marathon will be November 4-6 at Indiana University. You can support IUDM and Riley Children’s Foundation by making a donation here.