Attention all students. Get ready for the Kean Dance Marathon (KDM)! KDM will take place on Friday, April 20 from noon to midnight in Downs Hall.

Kean Dance Marathon is a 12-hour event hosted by the Kean University Greek Senate, celebrating the yearlong fundraising efforts of students benefiting the Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, NJ. 

Since the first Kean Dance Marathon in 2014, KDM has raised over $123,000 for the Children’s Specialized Hospital. 

In the spring of 2017, KDM raised a total of $47,485.98 to be donated to the hospital. Its goal for that year was to raise $40,000, and they were able to exceed that amount with the various activities and dedication put toward this event. 

Greek Senate consists of President Abanoub Nakhla, Vice President of Standards and Conduct Roshorn Shivers, Vice President of Public Relations Victor Benlice, Vice President of Multicultural Affairs and Community Service Stephanie Cardenas, Vice President of Rush and New Member Development Vanessa Lupo, Secretary Valeria Cruz, Center for Leadership and Service (CLS) Graduate Assistant Ashley Buchanan, and CLS Assistant Director for Greek Affairs Alex Louis.

Shivers: "As a member of the Kean Dance Marathon Committee, I seek to help double the goal from $40,000 to hopefully $80,000 [by] having various Greek Organizations can at different local grocery stores, ranging from Union to Elizabeth. Kean students and guests would benefit because the event is all about the children. Some activities Kean guests can look forward to are Greek swap, backyard games and so much more! It's an event not to be missed."

Cardenas: "When participating in KDM, we have committees, workshops and host activities that the students swipe in to join in. When they do this, it automatically goes on their co-curricular transcripts to show their involvement. By logging onto your Cougar Link, this can be printed and attached to any resume, as well as adding in service hours. This can be useful when applying to internships and jobs. Companies like the idea of service and philanthropic involvement."

Lupo: "Kean students and guests benefit from this event by knowing what they are fundraising for, making a connection to the kids, and giving them a push to raise more next year. It gives the students a goal of their own. The activities that people can look forward to are as follows: the opening and closing hospital band ceremony, water pong, picture booth, candy station, food and beverages, raffles, ring toss, and much more!"

The hospital specialists partner with families to make the various therapies and medical treatments more personalized and effective so children can achieve more of their goals. The hospital is located close to the community in Union. 

If one is not aware of the significance of KDM, here are a few facts:

• Children’s Specialized Hospital is the nation’s leading provider of inpatient and outpatient care for children from birth to 21 years of age facing special health challenges.
• Every penny of the total donation goes straight to the hospital. 
• Illnesses range from brain and spinal cord injuries to developmental and behavioral conditions like autism and depression.  

In order to have success at this event, students are encouraged to get involved by registering a team. Throughout the year, teams will have the opportunity to raise funds through bake sales, donation letters, clothing sales, canning and many more creative ways to reach the goal.

For more information pertaining to KDM, students and guests can visit keandancemarathon.com, email kdm@kean.edu or watch a quick video of last year's KDM event on the Cougar's Byte YouTube channel. Students can also follow KDM on Instagram and Twitter @KDM_FTK.

So save the date, make plans to join the excitement, and donate for a great cause!