Every event planned, every dollar raised, and every hour volunteered can change a child’s life. Over the years, Riley Dance Marathon Club (RDM) has raised money for Riley Hospital and their mission to care for children while also giving them special memories. Additionally, RDM has played a major role in student life at Herron High School through volunteer work, events, and the community it fosters. RDM Club at Herron is most notably known for The Dance Marathon at the end of the year celebrating the total amount of money that was raised for Riley Hospital. There, one may see intense four square matches, hear people come to share about their experience with Riley, smell sweat in the midst of a dance circle, and taste delicious pizza and breadsticks. What is not seen, however, is all the hard work that goes into the marathon to make it a memorable end to a successful year.
The week leading up to the marathon is hectic to say the least. Ms. Theaman, who has been a teacher sponsor for six years now, describes the week leading up to the Dance Marathon event as being “frantic” at times. Throughout the week, RDM works overtime selling and distributing shirts and tickets for the marathon. Additionally, RDM members work hard to iron out any last minute details to help the marathon run smoothly. However this is not always easy. Jasper Silbert, president of RDM Club this year, describes the challenges that come with marathon preparation, “We have resources from previous years, but so much of the actual event is hard to see how it will play out until we are setting up for it on the day of.” Hours before the marathon, one could catch RDM members racing to move tables and chairs and hanging up posters and streamers. There always seems to be a mad rush to get everything done before people start coming around 5:00 pm.
After the marathon event starts, there are many activities going on such as art, face painting, four square, and football. After being apart of RDM for three years now, my personal favorite tradition is the station where one can make their hand print and then write why they do RDM Club on a poster with all the other hand prints. It is such a special way to celebrate the countless reasons people show up to this event. In addition to these activities, RDM invited Riley families and Riley professionals to come and speak at the marathon. This is the most rewarding part of RDM for president Jasper Silbert because, “To hear the direct impact that Riley has had on these families is amazing and makes the total reveal even more special.” Hearing the tremendous impact Riley Hospital has had on these families is truly incredible and brings so much purpose to the important work RDM does.
At the end of the night is a dance party filled with joy and a deep sense of accomplishment for all the work that has been done all year. Last, but certainly not least, is the reveal of all the money RDM has raised. The amount raised is a secret from everyone involved until the reveal which builds up anticipation and is very exhilarating. Ms. Theaman’s favorite part of the event is getting to see the students reaction to the total reveal. Seeing the amount raised after a night full of hearing Riley stories, celebrating with friends, making last minute requests for donations, and eating good food is the perfect way to end such a special night. Overall, RDM takes a lot of hard work and energy but the impact that it makes on the lives of children and their families makes all of the early morning meetings and late night cleanups worth it. RDM can’t wait to see you back for another incredible year!
