Frequently Asked Questions What is Dance Marathon?Where does the money go?Why should my school do a Dance Marathon?How do I start a Dance Marathon at my school?How long does my Dance Marathon have to be?Do I have to fundraise?How are funds raised for Dance Marathons?Do we have to dance the entire time?Can I start a Dance Marathon to fulfill my school’s senior project requirements?Can Dance Marathons use the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation logo on event items and promotional pieces?What is Dance Marathon?Dance Marathon is a multi-hour student-led event that fuses dancing, games, food, and fun into one philanthropic experience. Students are on their feet for the entire duration of the marathon as they stand for the kids at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Back to the topWhere does the money go?Funds raised through your Dance Marathon will support Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Become a part of a national movement, while supporting a hospital that’s right in your own backyard. Back to the top Why should my school do a Dance Marathon?Dance Marathon raises critical funds that provide the gift of hope and healing for patients and families at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Your support has a direct and immediate impact on Children’s Hospital’s mission of excellence in patient care, teaching, and research. Community support was our beginning and is our future, and it’s why Children’s continues to set the standards of excellence in pediatric care. For students, Dance Marathon provides an incredible project-based learning opportunity that teaches the importance of service, while also building strong leadership, teamwork, and project management skills. For the school, Dance Marathon unites the student body around a local cause, creating a lasting tradition of giving amongst students and faculty, alike. Back to the top How do I start a Dance Marathon at my school?The first step is to obtain administrative approval from your school to host the event, and find a staff advisor to assist in your efforts. We recommend that you acquire any/all necessary approvals from your school prior to reaching out to us about starting a Dance Marathon. If you have questions prior to asking your school for approval, please contact Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation at dancemarathon@chp.edu. Next, fill out the online form on our “Start a Dance Marathon” page. Once we’ve received your submission form, we will reach out to set up an informational call and get the ball rolling! Finally, form your Dance Marathon Committee with fellow students who will work in tandem to plan and facilitate your Dance Marathon. Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation has staff that will mentor your planning committee, and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals also has Dance Marathon managers who will share best practices from successful programs and events nationwide. Back to the top How long does my Dance Marathon have to be?Generally speaking, high school Dance Marathons range from 4 to 8 hours, while collegiate Dance Marathons range anywhere from 8 to 40 hours. The length of your Dance Marathon can be determined after conversations between you, your advisors, and staff at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. Back to the top Do I have to fundraise?The purpose of Dance Marathon is to generate funds and awareness for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. As such, individual fundraising is strongly encouraged. Staff at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals will help you to identify fundraising ideas that will work at your school if you are having difficulty crafting a fundraising plan. Click here to see a list of our recommended fundraising ideas. Back to the top How are funds raised for Dance Marathons?Dance Marathons fundraise in a variety of ways, though funds are most commonly raised through personal donations from friends, family, and community entities. Schools can hold smaller fundraisers before their event, such as those depicted here. An admission or registration fee can also be charged for entry into the event, which can be directed towards your overall fundraising total. Back to the top Do we have to dance the entire time?No! Dancing is only one element of a Dance Marathon. Your event should be filled with other fun activities that will engage participants, such as games, crafts, tournaments, and performances. If your Dance Marathon is held in your school gym, for instance, consider holding a dodgeball or volleyball tournament during the event. Back to the top Can I start a Dance Marathon to fulfill my school’s senior project requirements? Absolutely. If you are interested in doing Dance Marathon as a senior project, please indicate this in the online submission form. We will work with you to plan and ensure that all project requirements are met. Back to the top Can Dance Marathons use the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation logo on event items and promotional pieces?You may not use the Foundation logo without specific prior written authorization. This requirement applies to any/all printed materials, web content, and any other promotional information related to your event. Images for items containing the logo, such as t-shirts, flyers, pins, banners, etc., must be submitted for approval prior to production. Back to the top Don’t see your question on this list? Contact dancemarathon@chp.edu for more information. Back to the top