Iowa State Dance Marathon has been helping children with life threatening illnesses for 17 years, giving financial and emotional support to hundreds of families across Iowa. All of the money raised is given directly to University of Iowa Children’s Hospital through Children’s Miracle Network. At this event, participants (dancers) stay on their feet for FIFTEEN hours to symbolize support for the families who spend countless hours in hospital waiting rooms. But it’s not a punishment, it’s a party. Participants listen to music, play games, hang out with the kids we help and even do a bit of dancing.

Dance Marathon holds a special place in the hearts of Iowa Gamma Phi Delts. The event, Iowa State’s largest and most successful student-run philanthropy event on campus, was started 17 years ago by an ISU Phi Delta Theta member. Since its inception, an Iowa Gamma Phi has been in the General Co-Director role for more than 10 of the Dance Marathons.

This past Saturday (January 25), Iowa Gamma once again had a great presence with Dance Marathon 2014. The chapter played a large role in the event’s success of raising $427,000, with Iowa Gamma raising $11,443.26 alone and becoming one of the top fundraising groups overall!

This year the chapter had 10 active members on executive committees. The following were on Recruitment & Morale: Austin Javellana, Ben Carlson, Greg Hunt, Nick Hinkle, and Tim Buescher. On Families Committee: Jimmy McKenney, Jackson Mores, and Steve McCarville. As well as Alec Wright – Community Development Committee and Jake DeHaai – Business Relations Committee.

Iowa Gamma is also excited to announce that two brothers are getting even more involved next year! The overall General Co-Director for Dance Marathon 2015 will be Brother Austin Javellana (Bond 1818) and the Finance Director will be Brother Greg Hunt (Bond 1853)!