Take a Look Back at Statement 2022
Florida Statement 2022, Dance Marathon at FSU’s biggest fundraiser of the Fall, has come to a close. Statement is something our organization holds very near to our hearts as it encapsulates what DM at FSU means to us. From November 15-16, our organization came together as one to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. This Florida Statement, DM at FSU chose to bring awareness to prematurity.
We experienced a large sense of community, time with family, and so much love during these 26.2 hours. During this push, we asked our participants to reflect on why they continue to support DM at FSU. We asked Fundraising Development Coordinator Sean Cliff about his “why”, and his story was heartwarming. Sean explained how he and a group of his friends started a Dance Marathon program at his middle school, after his math teacher’s son was diagnosed with cancer. Sean stayed involved with DM throughout high school, so once coming to FSU he knew he wanted to continue his passion for helping others. Sean works hard to help fundraising efforts through his position and finds inspiration from our amazing Miracle Children!
This year, DM at FSU was so happy to be on campus all day long. We started to make our Statement at 9:00 am and enjoyed kicking the push off together. In the afternoon, our EmCees hosted Power Hour where participants who received a donation were shouted out and able to hit the gong. Additionally, throughout the day, DM Dares took place as participants completed silly tasks for donations. With much anticipation, Gong on Tour also made a return! We traveled around and allowed fundraisers of $25 to hit the gong outside of many different organizational facilities! At the end of the first day, we held a vigil at the College of Medicine Courtyard to honor our Miracle Children Beckham and his mom Aspen as they spoke to us about their fight and love for this organization. Following the Vigil, we had our Comma Club Ceremony at where all participants who raised $1,000 were recognized. To conclude our first day, we held DMazing Race where participants in groups completed challenges throughout campus.
On day two of Florida Statement, participants arrived in the morning to start their day off with coffee and donuts. Participants fundraised as much as possible participating in power hour, dancer deserted island, and more until Statement was complete at 11:12 am. Finally, at noon, Dance Marathon at FSU’s Executive Board gathered in front of Landis Hall to announce the total amount raised over the past 26.2 hours. The total reveal, held in person and streamed virtually on Instagram and Facebook, announced that in 26.2 hours, Dance Marathon at FSU had collectively raised $331,177.49!
We want to thank every single person who donated, participated, or contributed in any way to our cause. You are the reason why year after year Florida Statement is so impactful and helps the lives of the miracle children we hold so close to our hearts. We have made it through the toughest of times, have come out stronger, and will always show up together. Florida Statement 2022 was a great success and proved that no matter what, We’ll Be There!
