There’s only one place on campus, where you can rave in the middle of the day, make your own tutu, and give back to kids and the community at the same time, and that’s Buckeyethon! Buckeyethon took place in the Ohio Union this past weekend, Febuary 10th and 11th, as hundreds of students, families, and alumni danced their way to a cure for childhood cancer. The proceeds from the event all go directly to funding psycho-social programs, rehab, artistic forms of therapies, and research for the department of Oncology and Hematology at Columbus’ Nationwide Children’s Hospital. This year was an incredible success, the closing ceremony at the end of the night revealed this year’s Buckeyethon raised over 1.5 million dollars all for the kids!
For anyone who has never done Buckeyethon, it basically consists of a 12 hour shift full of non-stop dancing, fun, food, and giving back, what could be better? The rave and dance competitions, of course, are always a hit, but a really popular activity this year was called the “Silent Disco”. Silent Disco is basically where you walk into a room and are given a pair of headphones. These headphones are playing 1 of 3 songs that basically turn your listening experience into your own private dance party. There were people controlling the songs and were taking requests so you could dance it out with your friends at the same time. I would be totally lying if I said I didnt do it at least 5 times.
On top of that, one of the ballrooms was filled with giant inflatables, henna tattoo stations, karoke, dancing, and more dancing. As fun and memorable as the activites all were, the most amazing part of Buckeyethon was seeing the happiness it brought to the kids and their families who have all been affected by and treated for cancer at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. They all were so happy to escape all the trouble and pain they have gone through and just dance and smile for the day, even if it just meant for that day.
And of course, what better way to end an amazing day at the Ohio Union than to all join arms and sing Carmen *tear*.
Feeling major FOMO because you didn’t participate in Buckeyethon this year? I figured. Luckily Buckeyethon is an amazing organization and is always welcoming to new members for next year’s dance marathon! The earlier you sign up, the more you have time to funraise and meet that $1000 goal! And for everyone who did do Buckeyethon, keep on fundraising and most importanly dancing it out! For the kids!!!