It’s time to dance

Due to the weather forecast, Wright State’s eighth Raiderthon, the annual children’s health awareness fundraiser for Dayton Children’s Hospital, has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 17.

This year’s event will not center on the typical 15-hour dance marathon celebration because of campus health and safety restrictions due to COVID-19.

Instead, the event will feature a drive-in movie format with space for 200 participants in Lot 4. Gates open at 7 p.m.

Moviegoers can expect raffle prizes, games, snacks, and the opportunity to dance with the Morale Dance Team. Students chose Disney’s “Inside Out” because of the movie’s important messaging about mental health issues.

“That drive-in movie gives us the opportunity to meet outside,” said Gina Keucher, program director for student involvement and leadership.

The fundraising efforts this year will support a new outpatient mental health facility at the Dayton Children’s campus.

“I love that we are doing something to help local kids,” said Amber Barga, moral chair of Raiderthon.

The Grilled Cheese Hotline will begin at noon on April 5 and operate the entire week. The Wright State community may purchase sandwiches at the Hangar and all the proceeds will benefit Raiderthon.

Wright State students will also compete against the University of Dayton in a virtual penny wars event leading up to Raiderthon. The contest will raise money for each university’s dance marathon.

The event is free but you must register at raiderthon21.givesmart.com. Participants can also text RAIDER to 51555 to register, view raffle items and purchase raffle tickets. Organizers hope the entire Wright State community will participate and donate.

Raiderthon is organized by Miracle Makers, a Wright State student philanthropic organization. Since 2013, Raiderthon has raised over $300,000 for Dayton Children’s Hospital.