FAQs

What is Dance Marathon?

Dance Marathon is a student-led fundraiser that supports patients at local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is a non-profit organization that raises funds for 170 affiliate children’s hospitals across the country.

Where does the money go?

Your Dance Marathon would support Boston Children’s Hospital. Boston Children’s is the top pediatric hospital in the United States and the place for life-changing care and world-changing research. We welcome you to become part of this national movement while supporting a hospital that’s right in your own backyard.

Why should my school do a Dance Marathon?

Funds raised through Dance Marathon provide the gift of hope and health for Boston Children’s patients and families. There are more than 500,000 patient visits to Boston Children’s Hospital each year, and your support helps the hospital enhance care and access for all families as well as propel research benefiting both children and adults.

For students, Dance Marathon provides an incredible project-based learning opportunity. All students involved will not only learn more about the importance of service, but they will also have the opportunity to build leadership, collaboration and project management skills. It’s this experiential and service learning that future college admissions counselors and employers desire.

For the school, Dance Marathon unites the student body around a local cause, creating a tradition of giving among the students.

How do I start a Dance Marathon?

Contact us! It’s best if you find administrative support at your school before reaching out to us about starting a Dance Marathon. We recommend you have an advisor who can assist you throughout the planning process. Boston Children’s Hospital has staff that will mentor your planning committee, and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals also has Dance Marathon managers who will share best practices from successful events nationwide.

Do we have to fundraise?

Yes, Dance Marathon is a fundraiser for kids at Boston Children’s Hospital. The staff at Boston Children’s and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals will help you brainstorm some fundraising ideas that will work at your school if you’re having difficulty establishing a fundraising plan.

How do we fundraise?

Most Dance Marathons will have each participant fundraise a minimum amount to attend the event and ensure everyone is fundraising for the kids. Your school can decide what is reasonable for your participants.

Some schools will host fundraising activities throughout the year like these. The most common way participants fundraise is by asking friends and family. Boston Children’s Hospital will help your Dance Marathon set up an online fundraising site—each participant will also get their own personal fundraising page. Participants can send out emails and post their fundraising link online to spread the word. Boston Children’s will also supply resources for writing a fundraising letter to send friends and family.

How long does my Dance Marathon have to be?

This decision will be made after conversations between you, your advisors and the staff at Boston Children’s Hospital. High school Dance Marathons are often shorter than at a college or university. High school Dance Marathons range from 4 to 8 hours, and college or university Dance Marathons range from 8 to 12 hours.

Do we have to dance the entire time?

No, dancing is just one aspect of a Dance Marathon. The only requirements include no sitting, sleeping or drinking caffeine. Your event should be filled with other fun activities that participants will enjoy like games, kid-friendly activities and any other physical activity your venue will allow. For example, if your Dance Marathon is held in your school gym, consider a dodgeball tournament during the event.

Who conducts Dance Marathons?

Boston Children’s has eight colleges and two high schools that hold Dance Marathons for the kids. Nationwide, more than 255 colleges and universities and 300 middle/high schools participate in this fast-growing tradition by raising funds for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In 2013, Dance Marathon raised more than $15 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Many schools conduct a variety of fundraisers throughout the year, culminating in a single “dance party”—a school-wide event with unforgettable dancing, music, games, activities and more—all in celebration of kids treated at Boston Children’s Hospital.