DANCE MARATHON 27 - CHI OMEGA RAISES MONEY FOR THE KIDS, VIRTUALLY"

Nearly every program at The University of Iowa has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic - including Dance Marathon. The traditional event hosts thousands of dancers, families, and community partners in one weekend in the Iowa Memorial Union. This year, the event took on a virtual form to raise money #FTK. 

We are so proud of the Chi Omega’s that participated in DM27! The average Chi Omega raised $663 this year. In total, Dance Marathon raised $1,422,443.27 for the kids!

“To be honest, I didn't know I needed this position until I had it! Although this year looked different, I was blown away by the resiliency of the dancers, leadership team and community. I was beyond proud to represent Chi Omega on DM27's executive council, and I hope everyone is proud of the work they did this year. As always, FTK!” - Maddie Huntley, PR Director DM27

“Although DM27 was completely different this year than how it normally is, I still found the experience to be extremely fulfilling and uplifting. As a dancer, I went to the monthly dancer meetings, hearing the stories of countless families whose lives have been changed by Dance Marathon. Hearing these stories brought DM so much closer to my heart and made me proud to be a part of something so special and impactful. It is amazing to feel like you are a part of something bigger than yourself, and for that I will continue to participate in Dance Marathon throughout my next three years at Iowa.” - Taylor Ford, Dancer DM 27

“I was super excited to participate in DM this year! My mom attended Iowa when DM first started and I have heard how much she loved it for years! I was super excited to be a part of such an amazing organization and it was super fulfilling to see the impact DM has!” - Anna Hamling, Dancer DM 27

“For DM27, I got the honor of serving on the creative multimedia committee. In this committee, throughout the year, I put together videos and edited pictures that were taken at certain events. But more uniquely, I got the opportunity to run the livestream for the Big Event. I was one of the people behind the camera filming and making sure everything ran smoothly during the 24 hours. I got to work with the amazing production company and learn so many new skills. This year was very different from the past two, but this organization still holds an incredible place in my heart. My favorite part this year was being able to be behind the scenes at the IMU filming during halfway there. While filming, I tried to dance and celebrate a litte, but not too much where you could see the camera shake. I continue to come back to this organization year after year because cancer has affected my family a little too much. I want to fight until there is a cure. Until no one has to hear the word "cancer" again. Although this was my last year, catch me on the Alumni Group (DMAG) next year in February! Thanks UIDM27 for everything!” - Katie Stadler, Leadership: Creative Committee DM27

“I have been extremely lucky to be able to serve as the Hospital Liaison Co-Chair for Dance Marathon 27. Though things have looked different this year, we have still been able to bring joy to our families currently fighting their battle in Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Since there are no volunteers allowed in the hospital due to COVID-19, we have been able to set up various online programs to bring joy to our DM kiddos. Some programming includes our YouTube Channel full of craft videos, Zoom Playtimes, Adventures with DM which is our most recent YouTube series, Zoom Storytimes, virtual volunteering over the summer, a Sibling Summer Camp and so much more. As a committee, we have worked tirelessly to provide normalcy to the kiddos and families in Stead Family Children’s Hospital.” - Katie Freund, Hospital Liaison Co-Chair, DM27

“When I think about DM27, I just feel absolutely honored to have participated. This year showed me that no matter the obstacle, this organization will stand up and fight for the kids no matter what - which is truly inspiring. As a morale captain, I co-led a team of dancers by promoting events and fundraisers, encouraging those to participate, creating fun and creative ways to fundraise, and being an overall guide through this process for dancers. This was my first year on leadership and I am extremely lucky and grateful to have been chosen to lead as a morale captain. It was such a crazy, yet inspiring and exciting experience to say the least. Dance marathon is truly special; I can't wait to see what is in the future for this organization!” - Anna Zucker, Morale Captain DM27

“DM27 was challenging, but inspiring beyond words. Despite the hardships we faced throughout the year, I believe DM27 proved just how resilient our organization is. It proved how dedicated its members are to fighting for the kids. I had the honor to serve as a Lime Captain for Dance Marathon this year. I was constantly inspired by the dancers on my team and their passion to fundraise for Stead Family Children's Hospital. Dance Marathon never ceases to amaze me, and this year was no exception. I am proud to serve my community with a team of students who want to do the same.” - Libbie Pavon, Lime Captain DM27

“This past year, I served on DM27’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. I have been a part of DM since freshman year, and I knew I wanted to continue my involvement in some capacity. In 2020, DM introduced the DEI committee, and this seemed like a great way for me to stay active and make a difference in the organization. It’s been such a great experience working with the DEI team to make DM a more welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable student org on campus. While we faced some unique challenges this year being virtual, I am confident that the groundwork our committee laid for DEI in DM will be built upon in great, meaningful ways in the future. I can’t wait for DM28 and to keep raising money and awareness FTK with the wonderful humans of Dance Marathon!” - Shannon Micklewright, Leadership: DEI Committee DM27

Despite all the changes with this year’s Dance Marathon event, Chi Omegas have emerged as leaders across all aspects of this organization. Even with their transition to a virtual event, they were able to make Dance Marathon 27 memorable and extremely rewarding. We are so proud of their commitment and hard work that is truly all #FTK!