Dance Marathon at UF raises $1.3 million for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital

Press release from UF Health

BY PEYTON WESNER

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Every year, Dance Marathon at the University of Florida writes a new chapter in its story. It’s about dedication, giving back to the community, and offering hope.

This year marked the organization’s 31st event for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. On April 5-6, UF students stayed awake and kept their feet moving for 26.2 consecutive hours at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, raising $1,351,566.99.

“Generations on generations have established a legacy that each student can be proud of,” said Stephen J. Motew, M.D., M.H.A., FACS, president and system CEO at UF Health. “It really is the heart and dedication that everyone brings that makes all this possible.”

In 1995, Dance Marathon at UF began with just 79 dancers in the Rion Ballroom inside the student union. Those participants raised about $12,000. Including this year’s total, the event has raised more than $33 million for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.

More than 800 students participate in the yearlong philanthropic effort, securing donation pledges, working on behind-the-scenes logistics, and dancing.

The funds go to projects like the renovation underway in pediatric patient care areas in Units 44 and 45 and hospital programs such as Child Life and UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine.

“They are helping us deliver our high-quality care to pediatric patients and their families,” said Irene Alexaitis, D.N.P., R.N., NEA-BC, vice president of nursing and patient services at UF Health Shands Hospital.

Even some UF Health leaders and hospital staff get involved in the two-day event. Rashmin C. Savani, M.B., Ch.B., chair of the department of pediatrics at the UF College of Medicine, attended his first Dance Marathon main event in 2023. He was the first person to sound the gong that year, which symbolizes a donation made during the marathon.

“These students are absolutely inspiring,” Savani said. “Their efforts directly support important research and clinical initiatives that improve the lives of children. Significant advances have occurred because of their unwavering commitment and passion.”

For students like Ryan Athay, the commitment runs deep. Athay was first involved in Dance Marathon in high school. When he became a UF student four years ago, he joined the group to raise money for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.

“I love being able to work together toward a common goal,” said Athay, a senior studying public health and this year’s executive director for Dance Marathon at UF. “We get to physically see how our funds and efforts are making a difference, and that is truly remarkable.”