The annual 24-hour dance marathon has turned to virtual fundraising due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and will be posting updates to social media and its website on Saturday, April 4.
The Elon community won’t gather in person for the annual Elonthon 24-hour dance marathon this year because of the COVID-19 outbreak, but that has not stopped its inspiring fundraising efforts for Duke Children’s hospital this year. The Elonthon committee has continued to fundraise, donate and advocate for childhood health and this year is taking the annual celebration online.
“We have received a tremendous amount of support from Children’s Miracle Network, Duke Children’s Hospital, and the dance marathon community in making this transition to an online event,” said Dana Pajk ’20, president of Elonthon this year. “We are so inspired by Elon’s drive to continue fundraising and advocating for the kids at Duke Children’s Hospital and hope that this event will allow us to shine light on all members of the Elonthon community and what they have been able to accomplish this year.”
Elon’s largest student-run organization and largest philanthropic event each year, Elonthon was started in 2003 by a group of service-oriented Elon students looking to make a difference in children’s health, and has continued to grow and flourish each year. During its inaugural event, Elonthon raised $28,500 for Duke Children’s Hospital and last year, the effort generated $340,642, showcasing just how driven these students are to make this fundraising event happen.
Had the COVID-19 outbreak not disrupted plans, dancers were supposed to begin showing off their moves inside Alumni Gym at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 3, to start 24 hours of moving, shaking and fun. The event typically attracts more than 1,000 Elon students as well as the children and their families who benefit from the care of Duke Children’s Hospital.
This year’s virtual Elonthon event begins at noon on Saturday, April 4, and runs online until 6 p.m. Through Elonthon’s Instagram account and Facebook page, supporters can connect with miracle families, learn more about Duke Children’s Hospital, and engage in fundraising activities. Participants can expect a new theme to be announced at the top of each hour.
Donations can be made to support Duke Children’s Hospital on elonthon.com until 6 p.m. The event concludes with the announcement of the fundraising total from this year’s effort.