INDIANA UNIVERSITY DANCE MARATHON 2015 PRESS KIT iudm.org
IU DANCE MARATHON & RILEY HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN Since 1991, Indiana University Dance Marathon (IUDM) has worked to raise funds for the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Ind. Nearly 1,000 students spend the year planning events and fundraising for the kids. Each fall, their efforts culminate in a 36-hour marathon, where nearly 2,000 dancers and 3,500 total participants representing more than 50 campus organizations remain awake and on their feet, standing for those who can t. IUDM is the second largest student-run philanthropic organization in the country. The 2014 marathon raised a record-breaking $3.2 million. In its 24 years, IUDM has contributed more than $20 million to the Ryan White Infectious Disease Center at Riley. The marathon, started by IU student Jill Stewart, honors the memory of Ryan White, a teenager from Kokomo, Ind. who passed away in 1990 at age 18 from AIDS. White contracted the disease in 1984 through an infected supply of a drug that helped his hemophilia. After being forbidden to attend school for carrying the disease, White became a national advocate for AIDS research and awareness, speaking out against misconceptions and calling for better treatment of patients. He lived five years longer than his doctors predicted, but passed away just months before planning to attend Indiana University. IUDM also remembers Ashley Louise Crouse, an executive council member tragically killed in a car accident in 2005. All IUDM apparel bears her initials, ALC, to honor her life and positive influence. Riley is Indiana s only nationally ranked and comprehensive children s hospital, with pediatric specialists in every field of medicine and surgery. Riley is a national leader in cutting-edge research and medical education, and treats all patients regardless of financial standing. The hospital serves more than 230,000 patients each year. This year we are excited to be holding the 25th annual Indiana University Dance Marathon, for Ryan, for Ashley, and for the kids.
IUDM MILESTONES 1991 1995 2000 2007 IUDM was founded by student Jill Stewart in honor of her friend Ryan White and the first annual IU Dance Marathon raises $10,900.00. For the first time, IUDM raises $100,000 for Riley Hospital for Children. Also this year, the Childrens Miracle Network is founded with the help of IUDM. IUDM has its first high school marathon at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis. IUDM now sponsors over 20 high school marathons. IUDM raises over $1 million for the first time fueling more inspiration and motivation than ever before and creating more room for growth. 2010 Riley Hospital dedicates the seventh floor in its new Simon Family Tower to IUDM. 2011 IUDM moves from the IU School of Public Health (formerly HYPR) to the IU Tennis Center. Also this year, IUDM pledges $10 million to Riley Hospital for pediatric infectious disease research. 2012 IUDM has its first elementary school marathon at University Elementary School in Bloomington, Indiana. Also for the first time, IUDM raises over $2 million. 2013 2014 IUDM and Childrens Miracle Network experience the largest year-over-year growth in history. IUDM raises $2.6 million dollars for a grand total of over $17,023,143.04 for Riley Hospital. IUDM raises a total of $3.2 million, totaling $20,229,483.26 for the kids at Riley.
2015 TIMELINE RYAN AND ASHLEY WEEK April 5-12 2015 Ryan and Ashley week honors the memories of Ryan White and Ashley Louise Crouse, two IUDM angels. GOLF OUTING June 6th in Indianapolis, July 18th in Chicago The IUDM Golf Outing, hosted in Fishers, Indiana is a summer event with over 125 participants. RUNWAY RILEY ROCKING FOR RILEY September 2015 Runway Riley is the debut of IUDM s apparel line, modeled by Riley kids. September 2015 Rocking for Riley is IUDM s annual fall concert, typically used to promote awareness and recruit dancers. Games with Riley kids, eating contests, and more create a cheerful atmosphere to kick off the fall semseter. 25th ANNIVERSARY GALA September 19, 2015 The IUDM Gala is one of Central Indiana s largest dinner and auction functions. Hosted in Indianapolis, it is IUDM s second largest fundraising event, with over 1,000 guests in attendance. RILEY AT THE ROCK Fall 2015 Riley at the Rock is an event where IUDM partners with IU Athletics to honor Riley Children by running across the football field prior to a Hoosier game. THE 25th ANNUAL DANCE MARATHON October 30th - November 1st 2015 At IUDM, dancers and Riley families will stand for 36 hours leading up to the reveal of the 2015 fundraising total.
JOIN US THE SECOND LARGEST STUDENT-RUN PHILANTHROPY IN THE UNITED STATES 36 HOURS OF NO SITTING, NO SLEEPING 11 MONTHS OF WORK BY 1,300 COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2,500 DANCERS 55 CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS $3,2o6,340.22 RAISED IN 2014 FOR THE KIDS AT RILEY GET READY TO CHANGE THE WORLD AGAIN OCTOBER 30th - NOVEMBER 1st 2015
BE A PART OF THE MAGIC For media and press inquiries, contact Courtney Pories, Publicity Chair: courtneypories@gmail.com Director of Public Relations, Alli Martino: alli.martino@gmail.com