Flashing lights. Heart-thumping beats. Waving hands. Twirling bodies.

No, this is not a frat party, but instead Iowa State Dance Marathon’s 20th year raising money for the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, commemorated by the hashtag #20YearsTeal. The celebration lasted from Friday evening well into Saturday night, with one four-hour break. During that time, Dance Marathon raised upwards of $293 thousand for the hospital.

Iowa State Dance Marathon has raised more than $3.5 million for the hospital in the past 19 years, according to the organization’s website. 

Throughout the event, teams of students continued to raise money for Dance Marathon by posting on several different social media platforms. As they received donations, they colored in teal posters with the amount they received, racing to $1,000.

Iowa State Dance Marathon reserved multiple rooms in the Memorial Union to entertain the Miracle Children and their families with activities. The activities included X-Factor, 9 square, inflatables, a photo booth, carnival games, arts and crafts, laser tag, headphone disco and more.

A snack shack was set up for dancers and families to keep hydrated and energized, complete with fruit and energy bars.

This was sophomore Haley Beckner’s first year participating in Iowa State’s Dance Marathon. She connected to the organization because her cousin was at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital for almost a year.

“It’s a huge deal for me to be here,” Beckner said. “My family is very supportive of Dance Marathon.”

In the Great Hall, a dance floor was set up with a stage for the DJs and another platform for announcers and performances such as the kiddo fashion show. Two large screens displayed family stories and taught the morale dance, which was performed every hour.

The walls of the Great Hall featured posters with each individual child’s name in the design: “Partying for Patrick,” “Rooting for Reagan,” “Balling for Blake” and more.

For many Dance Marathoners, the kids are the main reason they enjoy the celebration. Dancers could be seen with FTK written on their faces, which stands for ‘for the kids.’

During the opening ceremony, a moment of silence was held for all the Angel Miracle Kids — those who have passed on and “received their wings.” A candle represented each child and was placed in the Browsing Chapel, where “The Reason Why I Stand” board was placed. In total, 18 angel candles honored Angel Miracle Kids.

Jacob Connelly is a Miracle Child who was born 15 weeks early at 1 pound 5 ounces. Being born early caused other medical complications, and he was on oxygen until he was almost 2 years old.

His parents expressed how easy it is to lose track of time and not even notice seasons go by.

“We thank you as a family for what you do,” the Cornells said.

Another Miracle Family expressed that “the feeling of being a part of something was really special.”

Each Miracle Family was introduced with their Miracle Child, and each told their story throughout the celebration. Read them all here.

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The previously stated amount that the Iowa State Dance Marathon has raised was incorrectly stated, and the correct amount is actually $3.5 million over the past 19 years. The Iowa State Daily staff apologizes for any misrepresentation.