DM at UF is an annual 26.2-hour event in which University of Florida students stay awake and on their feet to raise money and awareness for Children's Miracle Network at Shands Children's Hospital. Dancers participate in a variety of fun activities such as games, competitions, and a group line dance, and enjoy entertainment by musicians, dance groups, and other student and community organizations. Shands Children’s Hospital Ambassador families who have overcome incredible odds inspire dancers by sharing their testimonies throughout the event. Dancers are faced with both mental and physical challenges in an effort to symbolize the obstacles faced by the children treated at Shands. Also through participating in Dance Marathon, students are able to meet the people that they are helping through their efforts.
In the past sixteen years of Dance Marathon at the University of Florida's existence, more than $3.4 million has been raised for Children’s Miracle Network - thanks to the dedication of students, faculty, community members, and local businesses! One hundred percent of the net proceeds stay here in Gainesville and go directly to benefit the children treated by the UF physicians at Shands Children's Hospital.
Nationally, since 1995, Dance Marathon has contributed more than $21 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, more than $4.1 million last year alone. These funds improve the health and save the lives of 17 million children each year which are helped each year through Children's Miracle Network hospitals.
