UNC Dance Marathon UNC Dance Marathon UNC Dance Marathon

History

The UNC Dance Marathon began in 1998 as one person’s dream.  UNC Dance Marathon founder Michael Bucy wanted to start an organization that united the entire University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus to work together toward one common goal: making a difference in the lives of the families and patients of the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. 

Twelve students aided Bucy in realizing his dream, and in 1999 the UNC campus hosted its first Dance Marathon.  The first Marathon raised more than $40,000.  Eight years later, the UNC Dance Marathon has donated more than one million dollars to the “For the Kids Fund,” directly benefiting the N.C. Children’s Hospital.

Statistics from each year demonstrate the immense growth of the organization since Michael Bucy first dreamed of the UNC Dance Marathon.  Please join us February 23rd and 24th, 2007 to help make the 9th Dance Marathon the best in UNC history!

1999:

  • Raised more than $40,000 for the kids!
  • Featured more than 100 dancers and 200 volunteers
  • Utilized efforts of 71 UNC campus organizations

2000:

  • Increased fund-raising total to more than $70,000!
  • Established the For the Kids Fund, allowing DM to give 100% of fund-raising total to the N.C. Children’s Hospital
  • Featured more than 150 dancers and 250 volunteers
  • Fund-raising efforts all year from more than 100 campus organizations
  • Started DM Silent Auction, raising over $10,000 for the kids!

2001:

  • Donated more than $100,000 to the For the Kids Fund!
  • Featured more than 400 dancers, 300 volunteers, and more than 1000 spectators!
  • Surprise appearance by UNC alumnus and Olympic Gold Medalist Mia Hamm, who thanked the dancers for their commitment to the hospital!
  • Sponsored by Title Sponsor Chick-Fil-A at University Mall and Gold Ram Sponsor McAlister’s Deli
  • Endorsed by Chapel Hill Mayor Rosemary Waldorf, who proclaimed February 18-23 Dance Marathon Week in Chapel Hill

2002:

  • Donated more than $120,000 to the For the Kids Fund!
  • Featured more than 550 dancers and 400 volunteers and moralers
  • Live performances from more than 25 student groups!
  • Sponsored by Platinum sponsor Chic-Fil-A and Gold Sponsors McAlister’s Deli, Durham Americans Baseball Club, UNC Hospitals Printing, The Carolina Inn and Carolina Dining Services

2003:

  • Donated more than $167,000 to the For the Kids Fund!
  • Featured more than 550 dancers and 300 volunteers
  • Established the Benefit Reception and Silent Auction to bring community members together in support of the N.C. Children’s Hospital
  • Started new fund-raising efforts that included local donation boxes, a Powder-Puff Tournament, a Faculty Event at sponsor West End Wine Bar!
  • Increased student volunteer activity in the hospital with the Neo-Natal Unit Reunion, UNC hospital’s Radiothon, and a Christmas Toy Drive

2004:

  • Donated more than $170,000 to the For the Kids Fund!
  • Featured more than 500 dancers and 300 volunteers
  • Appearance by UNC Head Basketball Coach Roy Williams at Marathon!
  • Special Performance by Legendary Beach Music Band The Embers

2005

  • Donated more than $184,000 to the For the Kids Fund!
  • Featured more than 600 dancers and 400 volunteers and moralers
  • Enhanced “Battle of the Bands” fund-raiser, with winning band scoring an hour onstage at the Marathon in February
  • Introduced “Turn It Blue” campaign, selling “Turn it Blue” wristbands to UNC fans all over the country!

2006

  • Donated more than $200,000 to the For the Kids Fund!
  • Featured more than 750 dancers and 450 volunteers and moralers.
  • Supported by many new corporate sponsors, including Bojangles, the title sponsor.
  • Began new partnerships with the Cardiac Care Center and the Hematology-Oncology divisions of the NC Children’s Hospital.
  • Reached a fund-raising total of more than $1 million over 8 years!

2007

  • Donated more than $236,000 to the For the Kids Fund!
  • Featured more than 800 dancers and 600 volunteers and moralers.
  • Gained continuing support from the surrounding community, including Carrabba's our 2007 Title Sponsor!
  • Extended our divisional parternerships to include the Newborn Critical Care Center within the Division of Neonatal Medicine.
  • Increased our fundraising total to more than $1.3 million For the Kids!