Spring 2004

Dorm Storming at Dayton University

  This year will mark the 5 th year of The University of Dayton’s participation in Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon program.   Over the past four years their financial growth has quadrupled!   Jessica Maimone, was the student executive last year and is participating on this year’s committee. She attributes the growth of their Dance Marathon to the use of the Letter Writing Campaign. Each dancer is responsible for raising a minimum of $100 through sending a minimum of five letters.   Students find this is a great and easy way to raise awareness and money for the cause.  

  Another, specific contributor to building student awareness is through “dorm storming” which entails the student committee going door-to-door contacting students and spreading the word about Dance Marathon.   This gives students living in the dorms a way to gain information about registration while contributing any spare change.   The student committee will usually bring back $1,000.00 just in spare change the dorm students have contributed.

   In addition to “dorm storming” the committee works hard to involve the clubs, fraternities, and sororities on campus.   Meetings are held regularly to create awareness and get interested students involved in one way or another.  The University of Dayton’s family relations committee works very hard to provide opportunities for the kids to build relationships with the students.   They have several fun activities ranging from basketball games and mini-golf tournaments, to holding a “Christmas on Campus”.   These events have been very successful in bringing the students and families together while raising more money.

   When asked what the greatest thing is that she will take with her from her experience in Dance Marathon, Jessica said,   “To see a small university make a huge difference”. She went on to say that there is no greater reward than seeing the kids and working with the miracle families and knowing you’re contributing to them. She has thoroughly enjoyed her involvement in Dance Marathon and is looking forward to another successful year.   Their goal for 2004 is $28,000.   Go University of Dayton!! We know you can do it!