The Faces Behind UDance

Just around the corner UMass Amherst will host the 6^th annual UDance dance marathon. What can be better than dancing the night away in support of the BayState children’s hospital with association to the Childrens Miracle Network?
 
This week’s Campus Celebrities have dedicated many months to planning this fun and great cause. Recently, I sat down with Rachel Northup the lead co-chair along with the Panhel co-chair Hailey Wallace, and IFC co-chair Michael Capano, to bring you all the details of this year’s UDance.
 
Here is everything the event co-chairs want you to know!
 
What is UDance??
 
UDance isa ten-hour dance marathon helping the BayState children’s hospital in association with the Children’s Miracle Network. In the past, it has been compiled with mostly Greek participants, but this year Rachel, Hailey and Mike are making a huge effort to change that. “We want more non-Greek students. We would love for many RSO’s and other groups on campus to come show their support.”
 
How much do you hope to raise this year??
Our goal for this year is $30,000, but we would love to make as much as we can to help out the children.
 
What made you want to become involved in UDance??
Hailey- UDance was my favorite part of freshman year. When I had the opportunity to interact with the kids and hear their stories, I knew I needed to be apart of it.
 
Mike- Rachel approached me about getting involved with UDance because she needed an IFC candidate. During the beginning stages of of planning, we had the opportunity to tour the hospital. When I saw the fathers looking at their new born babies that were ill, they looked heart broken. They seemed as though they blamed themselves. As a male who fully intends to be a father, I want to provide hope for them. Who knows, I could be in their position one day.
 
Rachel- I grew up in Pennsylvania where the Penn State Thon is huge. I saw how involved my brother was with it, and how much it meant to him. I knew that UDance would mean just as much to me as Thon did to him. I am very passionate about UDance, and if you aren’t passionate about something, then why do it.
 
What can people expect to see this year at UDance??
 
In the past UDance has traditionally been a Greek event. This year we wanted to make it a campus-wide where many different groups and RSO’s come together to show support. There will be a great line up of DJS, performers, and dance groups, along with ReadyU and Blackberry. Most importantly, the kids will be there. The children are enough of a reason to come and show your support.
 
How can students become involved??
Donate, register online, or stop by the day of. The event is ten hours long so you can show up whenever.
 
Why should students go?
 
A unique aspect of UDance is that you get to interact with the children that you are helping. You get to see how your support has helped better the lives of these children. For all you know, you could be in that same position one day as the parents of these kids. Why not make the children have an amazing life. The families are so grateful.
 
It is ten hours long, which means you could come for a half hour, or ten hours. Your presence there for even a short amount of time will help. UMass is a huge university; it’s about time we all came together.
 
Come support the BayState childrens Hospital and the Childrens Miracle Network on Sunday November 20^th in the Campus Center Ballroom.

To make a donation or for more information check out the main site http://www.helpmakemiracles.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.eventDetails&eventID=913, or visit the event facebook page http://www.facebook.com/UMassUDance?sk=info.