Abby Milkes, Public Relations Staff
Although a Mini Dance Marathon event is “mini” in size, it makes a big impact on the community. Leaving lasting impressions on the hospital, patients and students, these events are a culmination of hard work, showing younger students the power of unity and a shared passion.
A Mini Dance Marathon is a term coined for a shorter version of a traditional Main Event, planned and hosted by various local middle and high schools. University of South Carolina Dance Marathon (USCDM) has a Mini Marathon branch that works directly with these schools to help plan and execute events, coordinate percent nights and participate in local fundraising outreach opportunities. Their responsibilities are to help students foster a love for the organization and offer mentorship.
Mini events are essential in getting students involved in their community, showing them the importance of philanthropy and building unity within the school. It also encourages students to become connected to the cause, which can foster future charitable involvement.
“Having a ‘why’ is essential for young students, as it inspires them to engage not just during their K-12 years, but throughout their entire lives,” Izzy Yoos, USCDM’s vice president of community relations, said. “As we have seen in our own members that have participated in Mini Marathons prior to coming to USC, your ‘why’ becomes a motivator to remain engaged with the cause.”
This year’s participating schools are Cardinal Newman School, Dreher High School, White Knoll High School and Fulmer Middle School.
Leading up to their Main Event, the schools will host events such as percent nights, tournaments and challenges to promote community involvement and push their fundraising forward. Main Event is typically held in late January or early February, depending on the school.
Mini Marathon’s Main Event takes place at the host school and includes dancing, games and activities. Just like USCDM’s Main Event, there is no sitting for the duration of the event, so the time is filled with different happenings such as Just Dance and laser tag, and of course, the iconic line dance.
The event will end with the final flip showcasing how much money has been raised. This amount will then be added to the USCDM total, and all proceeds go to Prisma Health Children’s Hospital — Midlands.
Mini Marathons are just as impactful for college students involved with USCDM as they are for middle and high school participants. Watching the younger generation work together to fundraise for the local children’s hospital is a truly rewarding experience.
“While working with Cardinal Newman Dance Marathon, I was able to see a group of students work so hard throughout the year and each one of them grew as a leader,” Margaret Lowery, USCDM Mini Marathon staff member, said. “It was incredible to see a group of high school seniors raise over $30,000 for USCDM!”
Mini Marathons have raised over $35,000 this year. These events represent what’s to come for the future of USCDM, giving the next generation of students the chance to make an impact and get excited about future opportunities to participate on a larger scale.
Despite their smaller size, these events make a significant difference in the lives of patients and their families. All of the efforts poured into Mini Marathons are a reminder that everyone involved in USCDM plays a vital role not only in the future of Prisma but also in the future of USCDM.
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