Iowa State Dance Marathon hosted its Big Event at the Memorial Union Great Hall on Saturday. The event is a culmination of months of planning from committees and volunteers working toward raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. This year, it raised $145,162.28.  

During the Big Event, attendees participated in various activities, including a silent disco, a hypnotist show and a morale dance every hour. Families also took the stage to share their stories. 

“Bring your tissues and hope you’re not wearing mascara because I cry every time,” said Addy Wenzl, a sophomore studying genetics and member of the creative committee for the event.  

Other highlights include a children’s talent show and an Angel Kiddo room and ceremony, which honors the Dance Marathon children who have passed away. 

Participants are broken into four Miracle Maker teams to fundraise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. Members of Miracle Maker teams meet throughout the year leading up to the Big Event. These meetings also feature families that have been impacted by Dance Marathon who share their experiences. 

“Whenever they talk, whether it’s just a family in a meeting or the Big Event, they are always so appreciative of our time and willingness to be there. Some of them have admitted that if they were college students, they wouldn’t give up twelve hours of their Saturday for this cause, until it happens to you, you don’t fully understand or have empathy for it,” said Kassidy Brown, a sophomore studying apparel merchandising and design and Dance Marathon participant said.  

For Wenzl, the best part of the event is celebrating the kids and making sure they feel special. 

“They go through things that no one should have to go through,” Wenzl said. “They have hardships but today is a day they can kind of forget about it all and just feel loved and celebrated and have a good day. It’s like Christmas for them, really.”  

“Seeing the families here and reflecting on everything they’ve been through is very impactful,” Brown said. “Seeing college kids getting together and dancing for the kids and wanting to make a difference is very special to the families that go because it proves that people have hearts and people care about kids they don’t even know.” 

Leading up to the event, committee members plan for months to ensure the event runs smoothly. 

“We prepare and we plan by booking vendors and planning the timeline. Then, on the day of the event, we make sure everything runs smoothly, put out all the fires, and then just enjoy all of the fun stuff that comes after and during the event,” said Allison Eekhoff, a sophomore studying event management and a member of the events committee.

Eekhoff emphasized the importance of ensuring that the event is as enjoyable as possible for the kids and families involved. 

“My favorite part is seeing all the kids and how much they enjoy it,” Eekhoff said. “It’s so cute and so wholesome—they just have such a fun time.” 

For Brown, the Dance Marathon means a time to give back to her community.  

“For me, the Dance Marathon means everyone coming together and making a difference for families and so kids can be kids,” Brown said.