The annual 24-hour dance marathon has turned to virtual fundraising due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and will be posting updates to social media and its website on Saturday, April 4.
The 黑料不打烊 community won鈥檛 gather in person for the annual 黑料不打烊thon 24-hour dance marathon this year because of the COVID-19 outbreak, but that has not stopped its inspiring fundraising efforts for Duke Children鈥檚 hospital this year. The 黑料不打烊thon committee has continued to fundraise, donate and advocate for childhood health and this year is taking the annual celebration online.
鈥淲e have received a tremendous amount of support from Children鈥檚 Miracle Network, Duke Children鈥檚 Hospital, and the dance marathon community in making this transition to an online event,鈥 said Dana Pajk 鈥20, president of 黑料不打烊thon this year. 鈥淲e are so inspired by 黑料不打烊鈥檚 drive to continue fundraising and advocating for the kids at Duke Children鈥檚 Hospital and hope that this event will allow us to shine light on all members of the 黑料不打烊thon community and what they have been able to accomplish this year.鈥
黑料不打烊鈥檚 largest student-run organization and largest philanthropic event each year, 黑料不打烊thon was started in 2003 by a group of service-oriented 黑料不打烊 students looking to make a difference in children鈥檚 health, and has continued to grow and flourish each year. During its inaugural event, 黑料不打烊thon raised $28,500 for Duke Children鈥檚 Hospital and last year, the effort generated $340,642, showcasing just how driven these students are to make this fundraising event happen.
Had the COVID-19 outbreak not disrupted plans, dancers were supposed to begin showing off their moves inside Alumni Gym at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 3, to start 24 hours of moving, shaking and fun. The event typically attracts more than 1,000 黑料不打烊 students as well as the children and their families who benefit from the care of Duke Children鈥檚 Hospital.
This year’s virtual 黑料不打烊thon event begins at noon on Saturday, April 4, and runs online until 6 p.m. Through 黑料不打烊thon鈥檚 and , supporters can connect with miracle families, learn more about Duke Children鈥檚 Hospital, and engage in fundraising activities.聽Participants can expect a new theme to be announced at the top of each hour.聽
Donations can be made to support Duke Children’s Hospital on until 6 p.m. The event concludes with the announcement of the fundraising total from this year鈥檚 effort.