What is "Dance Marathon"?
Dance Marathon is a nationwide student-led fundraising movement that supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the U.S. It began at Indiana University in 1991 in memory of a student who passed away from cancer. Participants “stand for those who can’t” — symbolically staying on their feet for many hours (often 12–24) to raise money and awareness for pediatric healthcare. The funds go directly to local children’s hospitals to cover treatment costs, medical research, and critical care programs.
Purdue University Dance Marathon (PUDM) is one of the largest student-run philanthropies on Purdue’s campus and one of the top college dance marathons in the country. It raises money for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana’s only nationally ranked children’s hospital. The organization works year-round to plan events, fundraise, and engage the community, culminating in a final 18-hour dance marathon held each fall. Students don’t just dance — they hear from Riley families, celebrate the kids’ stories, and unite the Purdue community under the motto: “For The Kids” (FTK).
My Personal Experience
I served as a Committee Member for Purdue Dance Marathon during my freshman, sophomore, and current senior years. In my junior year, I took on a greater leadership role as Student Organizational Outreach Chair, where I contributed to the planning and execution of the year-long fundraising campaign and final marathon event. Over my four years of involvement, I personally raised over $4,000, contributing to the organization’s multi-million-dollar cumulative total supporting Riley Hospital for Children.
Samuel Karp 