Bells rang, music blasted and hundreds of students at the University of Florida joined forces for Transform — a 26.2-hour celebration of giving.
Hosted by Dance Marathon at UF, the two-day event united students across campus to raise funds and awareness for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. Over its 32-year history, Dance Marathon has raised more than $33 million, making it the largest student-run philanthropy in the Southeast, according to the organization’s website.
But this year’s fall push carried a new message – one focused not just on fundraising totals, but on purpose.
Through a campaign called Follow the Promise, students were reminded that transformation isn’t only measured in dollars raised, but in the promises they make to each other, to the hospital’s patients and to the Gainesville community.
According to Maya Vaidya, Dance Marathon at UF’s marketing manager, the campaign highlights Dance Marathon’s renewed focus on accountability and connection through the shared goal of improving children’s health.
“When you join this organization, you’re holding on to the promises of the people that paved the way for 32 years before us. We’re carrying it forward, starting new promises and making a commitment that really holds us together as a group of people on this journey forward toward a future where no child has to wear a hospital band.”
Throughout the Follow the Promise campaign, students were encouraged to reflect on their personal “why” and the motivations that drive them to fundraise, advocate and give back.Â
At the event in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom, members shared their individual promises, celebrating the stories that make Dance Marathon’s mission of transforming children’s lives so meaningful.
Abby Ferrell, executive director of Dance Marathon at UF, said the campaign reflects a shift toward storytelling and awareness, helping students connect their volunteer work to real patient experiences.
“In 32 years, we’ve raised $33 million, all staying local to fund research, equipment and things like guitars and art supplies to help the kids feel more like kids,” Ferrell expressed.
For Ferrell, the cause hits close to home. Her younger brother has been a Shands patient his entire life, serving as a daily reminder of the organization’s impact beyond campus.
“At the main event last year, my brother got to headband me,” Ferrell shared. “It was a full-circle moment, seeing how what I do every day directly impacts him.”
At the annual spring event, Dance Marathon participants receive a headband from Miracle Children (the patients supported by the funds raised) after reaching a $1,000 fundraising milestone.
During Power Hour, a highlight of Transform, students sought support from family members, friends and classmates in reaching their goals. And each new donation was celebrated with a ringing bell or gong, a joyful symbol of progress toward fulfilling their shared promise.
As the organization looks ahead to its main event in spring 2026, the Follow the Promise message will continue guiding its efforts, ensuring that Dance Marathon’s legacy of transformation and community continues year after year.