On Saturday, March 30, Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) hosted its third annual Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon.
This event was held in the Steinke Physical Education Center (SPEC) from 4 to 9 p.m.
The annual Dance Marathon is organized and held by TAMUK’s Greek Life and the Dance Marathon Executive Board, and it benefits local children and families who have been impacted by a Children’s Miracle Network hospital.
“This money goes straight to Driscoll Children’s Hospital. So, you have your Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and that’s like the ‘big picture’ and then you have your hospital itself that falls underneath the giant picture. That would be your local hospital. For us, that would be Driscoll Children’s Hospital that is located in Corpus,” said the Dance Marathon’s Executive Director Ydanissa Gonzalez.
Additionally, all proceeds raised throughout the Spring semester were donated to Driscoll Children’s Hospital of Corpus Christi. Despite the event being coordinated by TAMUK Greek Life, registration was open to all organizations, students, faculty and community members.
“It’s to fundraise for the hospital itself, to make sure that they have the resources and materials needed to care for the children who are there,” said Campus Activities Board (CAB) President Darrell Sanchez.
In addition to dancing, participants were given free pizza and could partake in other activities such as giant Jenga, an inflatable obstacle course and face painting.
For the past two years, the Dance Marathon has met and exceeded their initial fundraising goals. The goal for 2019 was $12,500. This goal was also met and exceeded with a total of $17,267.37 raised.
“We want to help impact our community. Driscoll’s Children’s Hospital is the only children’s hospital in South Texas. It’s important. A lot of things they do here are important. The students have a really big passion and drive behind it, and they worked very hard to make sure we met our goal,” said Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator Jessica Montenegro.