February 21, 2020, marks the date of the CDHS’ second Dance Marathon ever. The funds from this event go towards helping the children through the Miracle Network. More than 170 pediatric hospitals are helped through these events and impact thousands of young children. You know when the Wave happens at the Iowa games? Those kids that you are waving at are some of the ones that you are helping. Donating and supporting helps so many kids in need across the country. Miracle Network Dance Marathon’s have raised over $300 million dollars to help families all over North America, making sure that no family has to go through the process alone.
For months our student council has worked with the help of St. Ambrose to create a bigger and better Dance Marathon than last year. Our school is one of more than 400 helping support the children at the Miracle Network hospitals across the continent. Last year, we surpassed our $2,500 goal by $2,000, and our hopes for this year are even higher. Everyone in our community can help to reach the $7,500 goal we have in place. You can set up a donor drive, share the word on social media or simply attend the event, every little thing can help the cause.
Earlier this week, Student Council put together an assembly to inform everyone of the event. Three students have already donated their hair for the cause. Johnny Samora, Elliot Boesch, and Matthew Hinds shaved their hair to kick off the event and to raise awareness. A game of musical chairs was played and the winner was granted free admission into the event. The school came together to show support to the local families who are helped through this event, two of which will be at the marathon. Both Beckem Burbach, son of gym teacher Morgan Burbach and Sam Wackerle, Ekstrand teacher Rebecca Wackerle, have received help from the University of Iowa Children’s hospital. Their families are thankful for the support and care that they received.
From five to seven on Friday, the community will come together to raise money for the hospitals. The theme for the event is Superhero, inspired by the brave children and their families who have received service from the Miracle Network hospitals. Be sure to wear your superhero outfits and items! The gymnasium will be open to any family who wishes to attend. The event will have pizza and the Special Olympics team will be bringing baked goods. Not only will there be music and dancing, but lots of fun games as well. You can play Twister, Giant Jenga, or jump in the bounce house. The Burbachs and Wackerles will be sharing their stories at the top of the hour.
After the community time, the high school time will be from seven to eleven. The games will continue and the dancing will begin. Be sure to bring money, pay and you can put a friend in jail. Haircutting will be available for those who want to donate. Other families will come and talk to the students about their experiences and will be around the whole night to dance with us. At the end of the night, the total amount raised will be announced and our school’s hard work will be worth it.
Dance Marathon is a chance for our school and community to unite, standing together for a cause that helps so many. Even though our efforts may seem small, to the families that we are helping, every cent helps. This is only our school’s second-ever marathon, but we have already done so much. In the future, the Student Council hopes that it can grow even more and help even more families in need. To do this, everyone needs to help, to come together in order to help something bigger than ourselves.
- Emma Miller