An estimated 1,400 members of NYU Greek Life joined together in the Kimmel Center for University Life for the first NYU Dance Marathon to benefit the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, an organization that raises funds to fight childhood cancer.
CAS junior Sarah Hemstock, an executive director, said the fundraising goal started at $46,000 in honor of the 46 kids who are diagnosed with pediatric cancer each weekday. The goal was increased twice, and the final goal before the event was $75,000. The total announced at the end of the night was $126,020.66.
Hemstock said her favorite part of the evening was announcing how much money the dance marathon garnered.
“Seeing everyone’s reaction to how much we actually raised [was] definitely [one of] my favorite moments,” Hemstock said.
The idea for the event, held on Nov. 23, began with a speech from McDonough’s father to members of NYU’s Alpha Epsilon Phi chapter. A few of the sisters, including Hemstock, asked him for advice on how to help.
“He sent us over a huge list of events that B+ has all across the nation,” Hemstock said. “We saw a dance marathon and we were like, ‘NYU doesn’t have one of these, and people love to dance. Let’s get this going.’”
The program also works to match children fighting against cancer with a university organization for annual campus fundraisers. During the marathon, there was a ceremony where young cancer patients were presented to the participants.
“At the end of the day, as tired as we were, it was worth it,” Stern junior and DMNYU consultant Mike Genett said. “[The children] had the best time. It’s all for the kids.”
Planning took about a year and involved 13 board members, as well as two co-directors. Operations chair and LS sophomore Jack Zabelny said the planning process required observing other university’s fundraising events.
“We looked to Washington University [in St. Louis], as well as talked to charity organizations, to see what had worked in the past for theirs,” Zabelny said. “So much of it was figuring it out as we went, making things up as we go.”
The dance marathon received dozens of large corporate sponsorships from brands such as Pepsi, Peanut Butter & Co., Red Bull and Nike. The sponsors provided food for the dancers and contributed to raffle prizes.
“All of the brands … have either made an in-kind donation or a monetary donation, meaning that 100 percent of the proceeds we raised is going directly to the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation with no overhead cost,” Hemstock said.
Michelle Igdalev, a Gallatin sophomore and fundraising chair of DMNYU, said she felt fortunate to help organize fundraising.
“This whole experience has shown me that we truly have an amazing Greek community wanting to make a difference,” Igdalev said.
Gigi Chen, a Gallatin junior and participant in the marathon, said she found personal comfort in helping the kids.
“It meant a lot to me to participate today because I lost a friend to childhood cancer,” Chen said. “I really connect with the cause.”
The board plans to continue the fundraiser in years to come.
“Today was a success but also a motivation to do it bigger and better next year,” Hemstock said. “I’m looking forward to seeing it grow exponentially from here on.”
A version of this article appeared in the Monday, Nov. 25 print edition. Klein Aleardi is a staff writer. Cassandra Cassillas is a contributing writer. Email them at [email protected].
