Cedar Rapids Dance Marathon comes to Mount Mercy

Mount Mercy University is proud to host the second annual Cedar Rapids Dance Marathon (CRDM) on Saturday, April 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Hennessey Recreation Center.

CRDM is a student-run philanthropic organization that provides year-round support to pediatric patients and their families with terminal illnesses who are treated at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital. A unified effort among students from Mount Mercy University, Coe College and Kirkwood Community College, CRDM has already raised more than $25,500 in its first year of existence (one of the highest pools in the country), and students are rallying for another successful campaign.

The effort, which started in 2011, is the first multi-school dance marathon in the nation, and rotates amongst participating institutions in an effort to raise funds for children and their families battling illness and disease.

On April 14, more than 150 college students from Mount Mercy, Coe and Kirkwood will gather at Mount Mercy's Hennessey Recreation Center for a 12-hour day of fun with NO sitting, NO caffeine and NO sleep. Students and their supporters will come together to celebrate the money raised for University of Iowa Children's Hospital, and more importantly, enjoy time with patients and their families who have benefited from this unique campaign.

The Dance Marathon will include live entertainment, a DJ and special performances by local bands. Participants will also have the opportunity to hear speeches given by many of the Dance Marathon families who have benefited from this fundraiser.

How it works

Participating students register for $10 each and are assigned to a team with a Morale Captain, who spearheads the fundraising efforts. This year's challenge is for each dancer to raise $100; the overall goal for CRDM 2012 is to raise $35,000.

Who benefits

Cedar Rapids Dance Marathon provides a variety of support for families being treated at University of Iowa Children's Hospital, including: emotional and financial support; educational resources; and Child Life Assistants to aid in the holistic treatment of the patients.

How you can help

There are a variety of ways the community can get involved and support the institutions working on behalf of the children and their families.

Donate Funds: Each participating student has set a goal to raise at least $100 for the University of Iowa Children's Hospital. Visit www.helpmakemiracles.org/event/crdm and click on "Donate Now!" Follow the prompts and type the name of the participating student you wish to support. Or click the blue link to make a general donation to support CRDM.

Please contact Residence Hall Director Kristen Roppolo at crdm.advisor@gmail.com with any questions or for more information.