DanceBlue is the all-encompassing name attributed to the student-led effort to provide for emotional support and research for children and families treated at the UK Pediatric Oncology Clinic. It enlists the support of many student organizations and teams of students across UK's campus, who participate by personal fundraising, attending several fundraising events throughout the year as well as spending quality time with the families effected with cancer through the Adopt-a-Family Program. There is also a DanceBlue staff which consist of a Leadership Team and committee members. These students work towards the administration, promotion, organization, and additional fundraising for all of the festivities attributed to the event. The efforts culminate into a massive, 24-hour, no sitting, no sleeping, Dance Marathon, scheduled for Februrary 18 and 19, 2011.

Who does it benefit? How do we know our contributions are going directly to them?

All funds raised go directly to the Golden Matrix Fund, which benefits children with cancer and their families who are treated at the UK Pediatric Oncology Clinic. The money will be used to provide for emotional support for the families and to provide for cancer research. All pledges are invoiced and collected by the University Development Office, which is the same method used to safely raise funds for the Alumni Association and other development efforts across campus. Furthermore, DanceBlue has a 5 account through the University where all funds raised are deposited and given to its beneficiaries at the end of the fundraising period.

Who can participate? Is it only for students? Do I need to be a UK student?

While the privilege of becoming a DanceBlue Dancer is reserved for full and part-time UK students, we have other opportunities for alumni, faculty and staff, and others to get involved. Please contact Emily Rentschlerwith any questions you may have about your eligibility.

How can I become involved? Is there a way I can help if I can't attend?

There are several different ways to be involved. Students can join one of the DanceBlue committees and help organize, plan, and fundraise on behalf of DanceBlue. As members of other student organizations across campus, students can register as a DanceBlue team and compete against other teams of similar sizes. Teams can consist of registered student organizations with as many as 180 members, a floor or a residence hall, a group of alumni, staff, or faculty members, or just a group of five friends who want to help in the crusade against cancer. If you would like more information on creating a DanceBlue Team for 2011 please visit our Teams page.

Individuals who wish simply to fundraise on behalf of the Golden Matrix Fund are also encouraged to do so, as well as those who would just like to help volunteer during dance marathon weekend, which is scheduled for Februrary 18-19, 2011. If you would like more information on volunteering during dance marathon weekend, please visit the Volunteer page.

What do I do with the money once it is collected?

All cash, checks, and pledge books will be turned in and filed by the Ticket Office in the Student Center. Stephanie Fisher is the Ticket Office Manager if you have any questions. Pledge Books are simply dropped off at the office. Your team name and number should already be on the cover. Cash and check deposits must be deposited with the Team Deposit Form. This form is available on the website and in the CCO.
All coins must be pre-rolled or exchanged for paper bills before making deposit. Loose change will only be accepted if it's total is less than $1.00. DO NOT use machines like Coinstar to count your change because it will take money away from your total. Instead, go to your local bank and ask for coin rolls. Sometimes, banks like the Federal Credit Union offer change counting services free for patrons.
Whoever makes the deposit is responsible to obtain and keep a receipt for your team's records.

How do I know that my organization will get credit for the funds collected?

The ticket office files all funds received by team name and number before making the deposit. Totals will be kept secret until Dance Marathon Weekend. Teams may also check the Tracking Website (opens a new window).

What is the benefit of fundraising? How much money do we have to raise to sponsor dancers?

Aside from the obvious reason that fundraising benefits the kids with cancer through emotional support and cancer research, fundraising is part of the competition of DanceBlue and it determines the number of dancers that your group will be able to sponsor at the Dance Marathon.
In order for your team to have a dancer at the marathon you must raise $300 per dancer.

How long are we allowed to fundraise?

Individuals can fundraise and turn in funds up until the day before the Dance Marathon. However, in order to be a dancer, all funds must be turned in by the Fundraising Deadline, Friday, January 21 at 4:00 pm. Dancer Registration will be begin Monday, January 24 and ends Friday, January 28 at 4:00 pm. Dancer Payment will begin Monday, January 31 at 10:00 am and ends Friday, February 4 at 4:00 pm.

Why is it important to sponsor dancers?

The number of dancers present at Dance Marathon represents your support of the kids with cancer and the amount of money raised. It reflects highly upon your organization and the more dancers sponsored also means more support for the kids.

Does it cost anything to sponsor a dancer outside of the fundraising dollars?

There is a dancer registration fee which is charged per dancer for every team regardless of size. The dancer registration fee will be between $25 and $35. The official amount will be announced in the Spring.