What is Dance Marathon?

“Trojan Dance Marathon strives to improve the lives of patients of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.  The student-run organization’s annual fundraising efforts for Children’s Miracle Network culminate in a large-scale philanthropic celebration in the early spring.   Through its outreach efforts, Dance Marathon empowers students at the University of Southern California and members of the Los Angeles community to build relationships with hospital patients and their families.”

Trojan Dance Marathon (or TrojanDM) is a 12-hour event held on campus every year that raises money for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles through the Children’s Miracle Network. With over 200 student fundraisers, miracle families from the hospital, and incredible celebrity and musical guests, Trojan Dance Marathon has grown into one of USC’s premiere student-run philanthropies and most anticipated events of the year.

Currently in its fifth year, Trojan Dance Marathon will take place on February 25, 2012 from 2pm-2am.

The 60-member executive board and planning committee are working hard to ensure this event is the most successful yet. Since its inception, attendance and funds raised have steadily risen over the years. At Dance Marathon 2011, Trojan Dance Marathon collectively raised over $50,000 and over 1,000 people attended.

While Dance Marathon might be relatively new at USC, over 120 colleges across the country host dance marathons for their local Children’s Miracle Network hospital, raising over $6 million in the last year alone.

This year, we invite you to join in on the national sensation that is Dance Marathon! By participating, not only do you get to have the night of your life, but you can directly help save hundreds of L.A. children.

So wrangle up your closest friends, slip into something comfortable (or incredibly outrageous) and get ready to experience Trojan Dance Marathon!

Words to Know!

• Miracle Children: Every year, we invite former and current patients from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to the event. We call them Miracle Children since they are our strongest link to the hospital and they are examples of unyielding strength and inspiration. 
• Dancer: Every person who registers for Dance Marathon is a “dancer.” As a participant at Dance Marathon, you will be participating as a member of your team (explained below). While the event is free to attend, we ask that everyone try to donate and fundraise as much as possible. The more money you raise, the more prizes you are eligible for! Donations will also give you a free T-shirt and food throughout the night.
• Team: This is where YOU come in! Teams are groups organized by students from residential halls, sports teams, student organizations or even small groups of friends. Teams can win spirit points by checking in at Dance Marathon hour-to-hour and win prizes by raising the most amount of money.
• FTK: “For The Kids!” We like to say “FTK” or “For the Kids” throughout the night and at all our events as a reminder of why we are hosting a Dance Marathon.