“Dance for those who can’t.”
Riley Dance Marathons are year-round fundraising efforts that combine into one big 24-hour event that raises money for kids in need of medical care at Riley Children’s Hospital. These funds are used to benefit thousands of families. In 2018, RDM raised a total of 6.5 million dollars for children in need.
There are more than 60 RDM programs across the state of Indiana. In 2018, Carmel High School, one of Indiana’s foremost dance marathon programs, raised $424,116.25. Ball State University’s Dance Marathon raised a whopping $677,025.23.
A common creed that has been connected to Dance Marathons across Indiana and the nation is FTK: For The Kids. This year, our NCHS student government has been fundraising to help our very own “Riley Kid” who has inspired his fellow Trojans. Aiden Shunneson in his battle with bone cancer. “Our student government has been hosting fundraisers all year, including selling T-shirts”, says Senior Blake McKown. McKown is the Student Government President.
Treasurer Ellen Gurgum shares her thoughts: “A future goal that I hope we can achieve by the time I graduate next year, Is to have a full-on dance marathon and get as much as the school involved as we can. We also hope that in the future we can get back to do all the fun school activities we loved before Covid hit.”
Much of this year’s student government efforts have been focused around rallying for our very own Aiden Shunneson, who has been battling bone cancer. “Student government had put a lot of time, effort, and resources into helping kids. Part of the money went straight to Aidan in form of gift cards and a goody basket.”
McKown says: “Student government is all about helping out kids from Riley Children’s Hospital. I hope that the student government will continue to grow and help out the kids at Riley. FTK!!!”
