FAQs
where and when is LakerThon?
LakerThon will be located in the GVSU Fieldhouse on February 22nd, 2020 from 10am-10pm! Mark this on your calendars!
Dance marathon vs. Lakerthon
Dance Marathon is who we are. LakerThon is what we do. Dance Marathon is the club that we are a part of. It is a nation-wide movement that works throughout the year to raise funds in support of children in Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. LakerThon is an event that we hold in March in order to celebrate the fundraising that we have done and the kids that we are supporting. The LakerThon event is open to all Grand Valley students.
What happens at the lakerthon event?
At the LakerThon event, students have an opportunity to participate in a large variety of activities. Such activities include but are not limited to:
- Dancing, Games, Competitions, Photo Booth, Stories from Miracle Families, Learn a line dance, Zumba, Fundraising, Painting sheets for Miracle Children, Crafts, A not raffle, Beyond the Bowtique sales table, FOOD, Dessert, Coffee (This is number one).
When do we start fundraising?
Right away! You can earn money all the way up through the day of the event. We will count the money around 30 minutes before the event ends at 10pm on March 30th to see how much money we have raised as a community at LakerThon.
How do i raise money?
- Posting your fundraising link on social media sites is a great way to get the word out about LakerThon and what you will be doing at the event.
- You can also contact friends and relatives directly and help them donate to you through your link or with cash as well!
- We will be able to fundraise during the holiday season as well so have your family spread the season of giving your way and donate to your LakerThon account!
- We also offer a venmo account where you can have your friends send you a few bucks and that is @Lakerthon. .
How do I ask people for money or participate in fundraising?
We know that it can be intimidating to ask people for money. Because of this, we thought that it may be helpful to have a list of different phrases or ways to ask individuals for money.
- “Hey friend! I am participating in Grand Valley’s 2nd annual LakerThon! This is a yearlong fundraising movement to bring health to kids in West Michigan who are treated at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. We would love to get as many people as possible signed up and I would LOVE to see your name on this list! Come join me in fundraising throughout the year and then celebrating on March 30th from 10am to 10pm. All you have to do is visit events.dancemarathon.com/event/gvsu2019 to sign up. Think of the kiddos and sign up to help bring them health and happiness...”
what do we need to bring to the event?
Your dance moves, water bottle, small change/cash, your phone to post on social media and make calls/send texts to raise money, clothing that allows for movement, a smiling face (If you don’t come with one, you’ll definitely leave with one)! :)
WHo should join lakerthon?
Everyone is invited to join the LakerThon! We would love participation from anyone that has a passion to help out the kiddos at Helen DeVos. When signing up, individuals are able to sign up on their own or as a team.
how do i get my friends to join lakerthon?
Tell them that you will be with them and they don’t have to do this alone! It would be a great event/fundraising opportunity to spend time together for a great cause! Tell them to join your team and you will all do it together!
do i need to have a team to participate in lakerthon?
No. Anyone can join LakerThon! You can choose to join a team or start a team of your own with friends if you want, but it's not required.
where does the money go?
All money will go directly to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI to help supply the hospital with what they need to keep the kids and their families comfortable during their stay. The money provides resources for the families (Renucci House), toys for the kids (poke prizes), people to be with the kids while their parents can not be with them, and so much more!
do i have to stay the whole 12 hours?
You are highly encouraged to stay on your feet with us for the duration of the event. Remember you are doing this FOR THE KIDS!
How can i get more involved with dance Marathon?
Join the committee! We would love to have new faces and new ideas join our team!
Become a dancer! LakerThon 2020 is on February 22nd from 10am-10pm!
The planning committee is excited to welcome new members to plan the LakerThon 2020! The organization is divided into many sub-committees which allows for responsibilities to be distributed among everyone so that we work in a more efficient manner. The LakerThon planning committee visited Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital for a tour to see where exactly the money we raise is going. We viewed a wing of rooms that families of patients can stay in at no cost. It is completely funded by philanthropy, from donations like ours!
If you are interested in helping us plan next year’s event, please email us at [email protected] and we will provide you with more information!
With your help, LakerThon 2020 will be even bigger, even better, and raise even more money for Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital!
Become a dancer! LakerThon 2020 is on February 22nd from 10am-10pm!
The planning committee is excited to welcome new members to plan the LakerThon 2020! The organization is divided into many sub-committees which allows for responsibilities to be distributed among everyone so that we work in a more efficient manner. The LakerThon planning committee visited Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital for a tour to see where exactly the money we raise is going. We viewed a wing of rooms that families of patients can stay in at no cost. It is completely funded by philanthropy, from donations like ours!
If you are interested in helping us plan next year’s event, please email us at [email protected] and we will provide you with more information!
With your help, LakerThon 2020 will be even bigger, even better, and raise even more money for Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital!
What do i say if i want to post on social media for the lakerthon?
As a dancer, you are more than welcome to say whatever you want about the LakerThon. Personal stories are a great way to encourage individuals to stand with you or support you as they are able to connect with a personal story on a deeper level. Perhaps consider sharing why you dance/stand, what being a part of the LakerThon means to you, or a story. Here are additional sample posts that you are free to use or revise to be used:
- "Hi friends! This year I decided to join Grand Valley Dance Marathon at their annual LakerThon event held March 24, 2018. As a part of the LakerThon, I have decided to dance or stand for 12 hours in support of the kiddos at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. We will be staying on our feet to show our support for these kids and to show that we will not stop standing, dancing, and fighting alongside them until there is no need for us to do so. One day we will dance in celebration; until then, we dance for a cure. Will you choose to support the movement financially? Or will you choose to take a stand of your own and dance with me?"
- "This year I will be participating in the LakerThon event March 24. This is an event put on by Grand Valley Dance Marathon in support of the kiddos at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. We dance to show our support for the kids in the hospital. I will dance this year because…"
- "One day we will dance in celebration; until then, we dance for a cure."
- "This year, I decided to participate in the LakerThon to support the kiddos at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. As I stand and dance for 12 hours in support of the kids, will you consider supporting me?"
- "I dance because…"
- "I dance for the kids! #FTK #ForTheKids"
- "I am participating in the LakerThon in support of the kiddos at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. My why is… What will be your why?"
- "I dance for… Together, we dance for a cure."
- "I dance for… Together, we dance in support of the kiddos at Helen Devos and for a brighter tomorrow."
- "One day we will dance in celebration; until then, we dance for a cure. Will you choose to support the movement financially? Or will you choose to take a stand of your own and dance with me?"