Hundreds of University of Central Florida students will participate in an 18 hour dance marathon to help raise money for kids who can’t stand as part of UCF’s largest student-run philanthropy.
On Saturday, April 13, Knight-Thon — UCF’s official student run philanthropy that benefits the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of the Greater Orlando area — will kick off its 17th annual dance marathon. Participants aim to reach a goal of $170,000 this year.
“This year Knight-Thon has grown into a culture on campus,” said Michael Davis, this year’s student director for Knight-Thon. “We’ve seen more excitement and willingness to participate than ever before. The culture extends from students to faculty and staff members that are spearheading their own fundraising initiatives to support Knight-Thon in reaching its’ goal of $170,000.”
Knight-Thon was established in 1996 as a dance marathon and to date has raised over $400,000 for the Greater Orlando chapter of Children’s Miracle Network, which includes the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies and Shands Hospital for Children. Knight-Thon participants fundraise throughout the entire year with small events and spring an 18 hour dance marathon in the spring.
Knight-Thon is one of nearly 50 dance marathons in the United States and Canada that, combined, have raised over $50 million for ailing children.
Layne Davidson, Greater Orlando Children’s Miracle Network development coordinator, said, “Thank you (Knight-Thon) for making miracles happen. Without you these kids’ lives would never be the same.”
Visit the Knight-Thon website to learn more.
