Two Miracle Kids took the stage Thursday night under colorful lights to share the story that brought hundreds of students to dance and set a record, raising $62,311.08 for the Children’s Miracle Network.
Seniors Taylor Flotken and Julia Cramer spent the year working with faculty sponsors Claire Todaro and Katie Schaefer as the directors of the Dance Marathon club, which raises money for local children’s hospitals.
“I’ve been in Dance Marathon since I was a freshman, and I always looked up to the directors. Last year, I was the head of sponsorship, and it made me feel good to be giving back to something special, [so] it inspired me to be director,” Flotken said.
Flotken and Cramer worked year-round to raise money for local children’s hospitals and host small events leading up to the dance marathon.
“We repeat a lot of fun fundraisers that they have done in previous years. But this year, we added a few new fundraisers leading up to the event, including push weekends and a few others, trying to make them fun while also bringing in a good amount of money for the kids,” Flotken said. “The full group meetings at my house were really fun and brought everyone together, and everyone raised a lot during those.”
The faculty sponsors provide support to student members and help to regulate when needed. However, the club is heavily student-run, and the board heads put a lot of work into the fundraising.
“Somehow, high school students are able to pull off incredible feats and gather a ridiculous amount of money for charity. Students work incredibly hard to pull the events off on top of the fundraising, and each year brings new success,” Todaro said. “Despite having new board heads and directors every year, they move into their roles seamlessly, and the wheels turn like they always have. While I may be considered a leader, Mrs. Schaefer and I do our best to make sure that the night of the event is all about the students.”
The club is a great way to connect with community members, meet new people and raise money for a great cause.
“The community is so amazing. Especially as an underclassmen I made so many older friends and worked with people I never thought I would. It also is so unique because we all come together to raise funds for such an amazing cause,” Flotken said. “It has helped me with my speaking and persuasive skills as I have had to ask for donations and money from a vast number of people and businesses. It stands out among other clubs because everyone in the club has such a purpose, and without everyone’s help, we would not reach our goal.”
The club has only been around for eight years at the high school.
“It feels good to do good. While much of it is about the logistics of event planning and fundraising, it is also about the Miracle Network and the Miracle Kids. It’s always really special when the kids and families share their stories at the event, and everyone takes a knee as they listen respectfully,” Todaro said. “That direct community impact that you get to see and hear is unusual, but in the best way. It serves as a reminder of the true purpose of the club’s existence.”
