Best Student Organization: Dance Marathon

For 26 years, Dance Marathon has maintained its title as the largest student-run philanthropic organization at the University of South Carolina. This student-run organization works to raise money for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital, with which it’s affiliated. According to its website, USCDM has raised over $8 million for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital.

Students in the organization spend a year working intimately to raise money through different events, and their efforts are celebrated at the organization’s annual spring event. The event is a 24-hour day of games, contests, entertainment and, most importantly, dancing! All USC students are welcome and encouraged to participate. Another aspect of the main event is the meet and greet with families that have benefited from Dance Marathon’s efforts.

The Dance Marathon website showcases stories of children who have experienced medical hardships within their first few years of life. One of these stories is that of Joelle White.

Joelle White joined the Dance Marathon Family in January 2022 and has been a member ever since. When she was just two months old, her mom took her to the pediatrician after she showed symptoms of a common cold. Suddenly, her fever spiked, and she was taken to the PICU and put in a medically-induced coma since she could not breathe on her own. However, a couple of days later, White was able to come off the ventilator and diagnosed with Group B sepsis, an incredibly rare disease. She recovered in a room donated and funded by USDCM and is now a happy and healthy two-year-old who loves to dance!

This organization is an amazing opportunity to raise money for needy children and make lifelong connections along the way.

“I joined Dance Marathon my freshmen year for a sense of community on campus,” second-year student Alivia Derks said. “Since then, I have met so many amazing people and continue to support the child life program at Prisma Health Hospital.”

Beyond its fundraising efforts, Dance Marathon is more than just a philanthropic organization. This is a space where students can meet and connect with others — a space for them to grow as individuals.

First-year elementary education student Brynn Phillips spoke animatedly of her experiences in the program.

“I have made new friends that I absolutely love, and I cannot wait to continue doing Dance Marathon throughout the rest of my years here,” Phillips said. “Being able to help has been my way of giving back!”

Students here at USC should join Dance Marathon and aid in its efforts to raise money for sick children in need. This organization offers the chance to be a part of a fantastic cause and an opportunity to meet some great people along the way.

To bond over a good cause is an amazing thing, and it’s no wonder why Dance Marathon is this year’s Best Student Organization.