For 12 hours on Feb. 21, the music won’t stop inside the Student Union at San Diego State University. But the heart of the day won’t be the dancing — it will be the stories.
Dance Marathon at SDSU, a yearlong student-led fundraiser benefiting Rady Children’s Hospital, returns for its annual main event, aiming to raise $215,000 for pediatric care across the region.
The organization was founded in November 2014 by a group of students determined to bring a Dance Marathon program to campus. Within just 43 days leading up to its first event in March 2015, they raised $40,000. Over the past 12 years, the program has grown into a campus-wide movement that has raised $2.6 million for Rady Children’s.
Grace Johnson, president of Dance Marathon at SDSU, said fundraising takes place all year, building toward the February event.
While past marathons have lasted as long as 18 hours, research has shown that participants and families engage more during an eight-to-12-hour format. This year’s event will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
During those 12 hours, students and families will take part in free dance sessions, smoothie challenges, line dancing, complimentary food, merchandise giveaways, and themed activities. Interwoven throughout the day are family stories from patients treated at Rady Children’s — moments that Johnson said define the experience.
One hour is dedicated to honoring Madi Taylor, a former Rady patient who attended Main Event and “danced her heart out,” Johnson said.
After she passed away, her family continued the tradition by presenting the Madi Taylor Award each year to a non-executive board member who demonstrates exceptional passion for the cause.
Dance Marathon at SDSU is part of the national movement connected through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Funds raised go directly where Rady Children’s sees the greatest need — including research, Child Life Specialists, and resources such as toys, playground equipment, and movies that help young patients during their hospital stays.
Last year, students raised $210,000. This year’s target is $215,000.
More than 1,000 students register to fundraise annually. Behind the scenes, approximately 90 student leaders — a 45-member Executive Board and a 50-member Morale Team — handle budgeting, recruitment, marketing, merchandise, stewardship, and event planning.
Johnson said students are motivated by a connection to the cause.
“If you don’t have your own personal story, you probably know someone who has been treated at a Children’s Hospital,” she said. “Students are rooted in the idea of ‘one generation fighting for the next.’”
Beyond fundraising, the organization works to raise awareness about pediatric healthcare through professional panels featuring hospital leaders, volunteer efforts at hospital events, and community partnerships. Faculty members help promote events, and alumni return each year for a special “Alumni Hour” during the main event.
The student union was chosen for logistical reasons, Johnson said, offering multiple rooms for activities, family space, media production, and coordination throughout the day.
At the end of the 12 hours, Johnson hopes participants walk away feeling inspired.
“In a world where daily life can feel so dark, we hope they feel the love our community has to offer,” she said. “We hope they feel connected to the cause and eager to come back next year.”
Those unable to attend can support the effort through the organization’s online Donor Drive or by partnering with the group directly.
“We want to make Dance Marathon the culture at SDSU,” she said.
