More than 400 University students danced day and night on Saturday in the EMU Ballroom during the second annual charity Dance Marathon, raising $31,977 with an additional $20,000 in pledge money expected to come in at a later time.
Raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network in coalition with Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, the 15-hour dance exceeded all expectations, far surpassing last year’s total of $18,000 and doubling the number of participants.
Money from the event, promoted by the University’s Holden Leadership Center, goes straight to families in need and helps provide the resources needed to treat such people as Isabella Roberts of Springfield.
Weighing just less than two pounds when she was born 14 weeks prematurely, Isabella’s life was saved by a ventilator, incubator and blood transfusion – the type of equipment and services Sacred Heart is able to pay for by raising money through events like the Dance Marathon.
“Without events like these, Sacred Heart wouldn’t have the equipment to keep children like my daughter alive,” said Isabella’s mom, Nicole Roberts. “It’s just fabulous to see these students out here, taking time to do something really helpful. Many benefit from events like this and it’s great to see people aware of this.”

Students and volunteers got the chance to see firsthand the benefits of raising money for CMN and the families in need on Saturday, as the Roberts family and representatives from the hospital were there to talk about the difference that can be made in a child’s life. Dr. Thom Roe, a member of the Sacred Heart board of directors, gave a brief speech at the beginning of the dance.
“I had no idea what I was getting into,” Roe said. “I was very impressed with what has been done here and I can’t believe the energy the students had doing something for their community.”
Enthusiasm is needed to dance for 15 hours straight, and students and volunteers at the event didn’t let up. Keeping the energy up all day and night, dancers were entertained by guest DJs, dance lessons, University cheerleaders and a performance from the dance team.
“Caffeine,” is all University student Kevin McSpadden felt he needed, but for others it was simply the cause that kept their feet moving.
“To see the families here helps keep people going I think,” said Jennifer Balestracci, the finance director for the dance. “It’s tiring but it is very fulfilling to be a part of something like this that helps so many people.”
College campuses around the country are starting their own versions of charity dances, with more than 80 universities holding some kind of similar event. Now, the University’s own fundraising event is being modeled by other schools.
Some students from Seattle University made the trek down to Eugene for Saturday’s event to volunteer and try to gather ideas for their own type of dance fundraiser.
“We are very impressed with what has been done,” one of the students, Renata Opoczynski, said. “There’s a lot of people with smiles of their faces and it’s obvious the joy people are getting out of something like this.”
Throwing a charity dance is not a simple undertaking, and the planning began as soon as last year’s event was over. But seeing the children at the hospital reassured the volunteers that their efforts are not going unnoticed.
“A lot of people have been working the entire year for this event,” said Nicole Stormberg, a student and volunteer at the event. “But visiting Sacred Heart reaffirmed that this is really worth all the work and seeing the families here, it is hard to not get choked up a little by it.”
At the conclusion of the event, organizers spoke of plans for next year, but what this year’s event means to the local hospitals and children such as Isabella was not overlooked.
“I had a lot of fun,” said Isabella Roberts, who is now 5 years old and in perfect health. After eating the rest of her ice cream with a look of delight, Roberts said she looks forward to coming back next year and dancing for kids just like herself.
“A real difference was made today,” said Nicole Roberts. “The students did something special and I hope they know just how helpful an event like this is.”