Wright State to stage the fourth annual Raiderthon dance marathon

Raiderthon, a 15-hour dance marathon and fundraiser, takes place Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. in the Apollo Room of the Student Union.

The dance moves come once a year but the generosity, the cause and the joy never end.

Wright State’s Raiderthon is a 15-hour dance marathon with a goal of raising $75,000 for Dayton Children’s Hospital.

Raiderthon will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20, in the Apollo Room of the Student Union.

The dance fundraiser occurs at more than 300 colleges nationwide to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

“Every minute, 62 children pass through the doors of a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital for treatment for anything from broken bones to cancer,” said Patrick Bleser, the community outreach chair for Raiderthon. “Dayton Children’s Hospital sees close to 300,000 kids in their emergency room every year.”

Last year, over 400 students registered for the event, said Bleser. He expects a larger number to register this year.

During its three-year history, Raiderthon has raised more than $150,000 for Dayton Children’s Hospital.

“I think that someone should attend Raiderthon because it is a fun way to raise money for a worthy cause,” he said. “This is my third year on the planning committee, and Raiderthon continues to change my life every year.”

This year’s event will include a Raiderthon graduation ceremony to honor graduating students who have been involved in Raiderthon for its four years at Wright State. There will also be a magician from the local area and of course dancing.

“There are so many kids that are facing life-threatening illnesses and need treatment as soon as possible,” said Bleser. “These treatments and the equipment that it takes to perform these treatments cost a ton of money. … Your money will be used to do great things right here in Dayton.”

Register for Raiderthon at wsuraiderthon.kintera.org.