Augustana’s Vikathon, formerly known as Dance Marathon, raised $26,204.06 this year after its Saturday event, falling just short of the $30,000 goal for the year. The proceeds go to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
There were 270 participants throughout the 10 hour day, held in the College Center, a new venue for the newly named event.
“This is the first year for Vikathon,” said Samantha McGreer, executive director for Vikathon. “It is a name change that incorporates Augie as a whole.”
McGreer, a senior, said there were also new activities this year during the event.
Students and groups on campus participated in Vikathon, hosting families and their “miracle child,” who all go to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. Families and the children shared their stories Saturday.
Different rooms throughout the College Center were dedicated to different activities, including a room for crafting and writing letters to honor the children who have passed away.
Dancing and performances took place on the main floor and the upper floor included activities such as a photo booth, karaoke and a bags tournament.
Ashley LaGrow, entertainment chair for Vikathon said this year, the event is different from Dance Marathon.
“Dance Marathon is the organization we are,” said LaGrow, a senior. “We do fundraisers year round and Vikathon is one of the events we do. The only rule we have is to remain standing for the whole event.”
“Dance Marathon is a nationwide movement involving college and high school students at more than 250 schools across the country, all raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in their community,” according to the Dance Marathon website.
Other changes include the number of hours; the event has expanded from six to 10 hours, McGreer said.
“None of our dancers, executive board members or committee members consume caffeine throughout the event because the kids in the hospital are not allowed to have caffeine,” said McGreer.
The event also included performances by Sigma Alpha Iota, UNYK, Leslie Adams, the Augustana Dance Company and Scott Rush.