Do It For The Kids: Bruin Dance-A-Thon Supports Johns Hopkins

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By Jillian Amodio

Students and teachers at Broadneck High School are busting a move, but they’re not looking to get attention for themselves. To raise funds for sick kids, Broadneck is hosting the second annual Bruin Dance-A-Thon on March 15 from 4:00pm to 10:00pm in the main gym.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Children's Miracle Network, which will deliver the funds to Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore. That money will be invested in critical treatments, health care services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care.

Broadneck alumna Emily Taylor developed the idea last year as a high school senior. She consulted Broadneck High health, physical education and dance department chair Melissa Quigley, and together they discovered that their zip code’s Children’s Miracle Network hospital was Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.

After touring the facility, Taylor and Quigley saw firsthand how their fundraiser could help children at Johns Hopkins. The inaugural dance-a-thon invited donors to an evening of games, friendly contests and, of course, dancing. The year-long effort raised $13,239.

“Starting [the] dance marathon was a challenge, but it was something I really wanted to bring to our school, so I never gave up,” Taylor said. “It was the best experience I had in high school and something I am very proud of. There were lots of bumps in the road and tears shed to my mom behind closed doors, but once it was over, I couldn’t have been happier with the results!”

The goal for the second Bruin Dance-A-Thon is $15,000. This year, a dedicated committee of students is working throughout the school year to do monthly fundraisers. They actively strive to recruit students, teams and clubs to sign up on the donor drive to raise money for the fundraisers. As an incentive to get involved, prizes are awarded to individuals and teams who collect the most money. It becomes a good-natured competitive way of supporting a good cause.

The night of the Dance-A-Thon is a true celebration of all the fundraising efforts that have gone on throughout the school year. Participants are encouraged to be on their feet. Whereas traditional college dance-a-thons that inspired this event typically last 12 to 24 hours, this is considered a mini-thon and runs for only six hours. A variety of free events and activities are planned for the night of the dance-a-thon: instructor-led Zumba classes, a lip sync battle, Hungry Hippo game, Minute to Win It games, limbo contest, tug of war, cornhole and more. The Broadneck Dance Company will perform and lead the morale dance every hour. The morale dance was choreographed specifically for this event by the Broadneck dance company. The morale dance is traditionally led at the top of every hour and includes everyone in attendance. All food provided at the event is free courtesy of donations made by community members and businesses. These donations ensure that all money goes to Johns Hopkins.

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