TigerThon, a rather new Wittenberg organization which raises money for Dayton Children’s Hospital, will be holding its annual six-hour dance marathon on March 25, 2017.
The university’s dance marathon is a part of the Miracle Network Dance Marathon, which is a nationwide movement of about 300 schools across the country, supporting local Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. Last year, Wittenberg’s TigerThon raised $8,017.33 for Dayton Children’s Hospital, a part of the Miracle Network.
“Dance Marathon is like a party with a purpose because for the entire six hours, you are dancing and standing for those who can’t,” Hannah Kesig, junior and president of TigerThon, said. “Together as a school and community, we fight for one common cause together.”
As a nonprofit organization, the Miracle Network ensures that no child or family fights pediatric illness or injury alone. Since its inception, the Miracle Network has raised over $1.35 million dollars with the help of Witt’s very own TigerThon, where 100 percent of the funds raised stay local to support children in Springfield.
The money TigerThon raises touches many aspects of the hospital. Some money is used to help purchase new medical equipment so Dayton Children’s can ensure the highest quality of care for their patients. Other money may be used to support specific units, like the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or Hemotology-Oncology ward.
However, the money raised this year will go towards the patient tower under construction at the hospital. The new state-of-the-art patient tower is eight stories high, containing new and improved medical equipment for those who will be treated there.
TigerThon staff goes about raising money for Dayton Children’s by hosting dine-to-donate nights at various restaurants in Springfield. On those nights, students can go out to eat and mention TigerThon and a certain amount of the bill’s total will be donated back to the organization. The staff will also be taking donations and having different fundraising events such as a dodgeball or kickball tournament.
“No donation is ever too small,” Kesig said. “Pennies make dollars, and dollars make a difference.”
Kesig brought the idea of TigerThon to Wittenberg’s campus in 2014 as a freshman. She had been inspired by the dance marathon at her high school, Gahanna-Thon, which is the leading high school dance marathon in Central Ohio.
“I started it because Dance Marathon brings people together and creates a sort of bond amongst all the people who participate, and that bond is all for the kids,” Kesig said.
Wittenberg students can get involved as a member of TigerThon staff by attending general body meetings held once a month. Information about meetings can be found on flyers throughout campus buildings. If one wants to be a part of the executive team, applications go out in the spring.
Looking forward to a new year of fundraising, the first TigerThon event was held on Monday, Oct. 3. Staff handed out cookies and t-shirts on Alumni Way to celebrate Child Health Day. All Miracle Network Dance Marathons across the country celebrated this day as well.
The first dine-to-donate will be held at Buffalo Wild Wings this October, so be on the lookout for announcements about eating for a good cause.
