UCLA's Newest Philanthropic Tradition

DM '08 True Life: I Was in the Den (via BRUINdancemarathon)

This upcoming weekend (February 13-14) will mark the 9th annual Dance Marathon at UCLA. For those of you BNers who have not heard of this new tradition, here is a quick synopsis--

UCLA students dance in Ackerman Grand Ballroom for 26 HOURS straight without sitting. Seeking to educate, fundraise, and spread awareness about the global pediatric AIDS pandemic, Dance Marathon unites over 3,000 students every year to literally take a stand against pediatric AIDS. This event has become the largest student-run philanthropic event on the West Coast, having raised nearly $1.8 million for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Project Kindle, and OneHeartland.

Dance Marathon has turned into a huge event here at UCLA, and a tremendous source of Bruin pride. Last year, we raised $389,000. (Believe it or not, U$C* TRIED to follow in our footsteps... but only managed to raise $14,000). This year, we are poised to raise more than we ever have before. CRN has taken an interest in Dance Marathon as well (the real humanitarian), giving a motivational speech during a guest appearance at the event last year. Dance Marathon is becoming a big part of what it means to be a Bruin.

To show your support, please visit my donation page. Or, if you think you know someone else at UCLA who is participating, you should help them out!

Some videos from the event after the jump...

Dance Marathon 2009 Trailer (via BRUINdancemarathon)

DM '08 UCLA vs. USC 1 (via BRUINdancemarathon)