ICYMI: Rutgers Dance Marathon raises nearly $1 million
Rutgers University Dance Marathon 2016 raised a record-breaking total of $912,143.47, bringing the 18-year-old tradition's total to $6 million in funds raised.
This year, RUDM had the single greatest year-to-year leap in its history, surpassing last year's total by more than $220,000.
More than 300 volunteers worked throughout the weekend to raise funds for roughly 300 families in the RU4Kids program as part of the Embrace Kids Foundation's effort to help children afflicted with cancer and blood-related disorders.
All the money raised goes toward the Embrace Kids Foundation, said Tatiana Blackman, a School of Arts and Sciences senior and the director of Communications for this year’s event. The money is used to help the children with non-medical costs, such as hiring tutors and hosting parties.
Chi Psi fraternity has raised the largest amount of money for the marathon for the last 13 years and sponsored a child, Taylor Barta, who died two weeks before RUDM.
“You all have worked tirelessly,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Felicia McGinty. “On behalf of the University, I can say that we stand in awe of you and of your dedication in your drive to share.”
This article is part of our Spring 2016 Perspectives edition. Find the full issue here.
Noa Halff is a School of Arts and Sciences sophomore majoring in journalism and media studies. She is an associate news editor for The Daily Targum.