Last year, at DanceBlue’s 24 – hour Dance Marathon, one of the song snippets from our line dance had the lyrics, “I am way too young and I won’t stop running.” In a very literal and figurative sense, I will not stop running For The Kids! I first became involved with DanceBlue my sophomore year, after seeing the impact this organization had on UK’s campus and within the Lexington community, I knew I had to get to take some part in it. I was selected to serve on the Operations Committee and the year that followed was the most eye opening and impactful experience of my life. The first big event of the school year was the 5K, and it was the perfect intro for everything that DanceBlue represents. I was truly amazed from all the people who turned out to support the kids and their families in the DanceBlue Clinic. At the end of that year, after a lot of hard work, I got to experience the highly anticipated 24 – hour Dance Marathon. The celebration of life and fundraising reveal at the end of the marathon was truly impactful and I was moved beyond words. There is nothing that I take more pride, compassion, empathy, or pure joy in than seeing the culmination of a year long fundraising effort of the students at the University of Kentucky go towards bettering the lives of patients and families within the Clinic.
This year, as Operations Chair, one of my roles is organizing the annual DanceBlue 5K. The race will be held at Kroger Field on October 14th at 2:00pm where all of the money raised goes directly to the kids and the inner workings of the 24 – hour Dance Marathon. The 5K serves as the kickoff for the University of Kentucky’s Homecoming week, where we are honored and happy to host the many student organizations and community members that annually show up to support the kids. The theme for homecoming this year is “Rhythm and Blues: Cats in Tune,” and what better way to showcase some R&B than with some Rhythm & DanceBlue!
So whether you like to run or walk, come join us at Kroger Field on October 14th. There you can also talk with our committee members and learn more about how to become involved and make an impact in the DanceBlue 2019 Marathon!
Online registration ends on Wednesday, October 10th, and if you register by October 4th, you are guaranteed a free t-shirt! If you are a UK student, this event is worth 10 DanceBlue spirit points and up to 50 Wildcat Cup Points for Homecoming. The link to register is below!
