Rowan’s Inter Greek Council kicked off its annual Dance Marathon Friday night. The event featured over 20 organizations who joined in to raise money for pediatric cancer. Each organization formed their own team and danced in support of the pediatric cancer patients at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

The dance marathon is based off of the Dance Marathon Miracle Network, a nonprofit organization that raises money for over 170 pediatric hospitals in North America. This organization gives 100 percent of the profits made from dance marathons to local children and is the only children’s charity to do so.

The event didn’t just involve late-night dancing. Attendees were able to purchase raffle tickets, snacks and Dance Marathon t-shirts for $10. All of the money raised at the event went directly into the donation fund for CHOP. There were also performances by the Rowan 3D Dance Crew and the Rowan University Dance Team, as well as dance contests running from 1:00 am to 2:00 am.

Cassandra Cabrera, a senior psychology major, is the community service chair of the Inter Greek council and was in charge of planning the dance marathon. Cabrera and her started planning this event last spring. 

“I love running it,” Cabrera said. “I’m super passionate about these charities. I love kids and I couldn’t have asked for more to be a part of this organization and this event especially. It’s giving back to so many kids and I’m so grateful to even have the honor to stand in front of people, give a speech and give that awareness for pediatric cancer.”

Cabrera presented a speech about children and their miracle stories, followed by a few videos to highlight where the funds raised will go. Attendees had the opportunity to write their names on signs that said “We Dance for the Kids,” as well as blow up their own balloon. 

“They’ll be used later on [in the night] for a balloon drop. It’ll be really nice so everyone can put their names on it to show we all raised money together,” Cabrera said.

Eden Edelson, a junior health & physical education major and the fundraising chair of the Rowan club field hockey team, was excited to be a part of the efforts. It was her first year helping plan the event.

“I thought it would be good to get the club field hockey team involved in something on campus like this that not only shows something good about Rowan, but helps the kids in the community,” Edelson said. “It was fun to participate with not only my organization but other organizations as well.”

With over 20 Rowan University organizations involved, the dance marathon raised nearly $16,000 for the children at CHOP. Fraternity Tau Delta Phi raised the most money, donating over $2,200.

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