Carolina For The Kids

Final Jam Recap

3/24/2018

Katie Otto is a member of the Publicity committee.

In the final 5 hours of the 2018 UNC Dance Marathon, dancers participated in the Final Jam: an hour-long dancing event featuring line-dances ranging from the Electric Slide to the Church Clap!

Led by the Morale team, Final Jam served as one of our last unifying experiences of the marathon, where all of the dancers came together to dance to different songs spanning decades, in the spirit of our theme, “Through The Years.”

Participating in the Final Jam has not only energized me for the remaining few hours of the marathon, it also reminded me of the true purpose of the dancers: to come together, to take a stand, and to bring a little extra joy to the world.

Without our dancers, the UNC Dance Marathon could not make the difference it does, and the impact we make together as a whole is truly outstanding!

Dancer Words of Wisdom

3/24/2018

Adwoa Baffoe-Bonnie is a member of the Publicity committee.

As we head into the final six hours of the 2018 UNC Dance Marathon, we asked dancers to share their motivational mantras and helpful tips to stay strong through the home stretch. Here’s what they have to say:

Tori Matus, sophomore, says, “Surround yourself with positive energy and people who are really excited to be here. Definitely participate in all the activities because it helps to keep your motivation up.”

This year’s UNC Dance Marathon is the second UNCDM experience for Lizzy Stompel, a senior.

Stompel says, “I try to stay busy and be involved with activities. I was a dancer my first year and it’s even more rewarding to be serving as a committee member this time around.”

Her good friend, Makayla Browder, a sophomore, adds, “I really enjoy taking this opportunity to meet new people, making new friends, and making the best out of the atmosphere.”

Several members of Carolina For The Kids’ Morale & Recruitment Committee shared what keeps them going during the final hours of the marathon.

Zumba: CFTK Style

3/24/2018

Jessica Abel is a member of the Publicity committee.

Zumba: a high-energy, cardio dance workout-meets-party that takes it out of the average person on an average day.

Zumba at CFTK Dance Marathon: a high-energy, early-morning lifesaver that unites dancers after the 3 a.m. slump.

At 4 a.m., Campus Recreation Zumba instructor Marie Muir jogged into Fetzer gym to teach a dance lesson to the dancers who had been standing for nine hours. But you’d never know.

The gym filled quickly as dancers lined up to jam to “Single Ladies,” “Feel it Still,” “Shape of You” and more, kicking and fist-pumping along the way.

Lines formed across the floor. Blue and purple lights shown down. Face glitter, metallic tutus and green, glowing glasses completed the party vibe as the music pumped through speakers.

Muir even invited a dancer on stage to lead the class and keep the energy up.

After the last song faded and stretches finished up, Muir thanked the crowd for their passion for CFTK and their liveliness even in the middle of the night. It was the perfect break as the dancers waited patiently for the sun to rise.

Performance Groups Shine at the Marathon

3/24/2018

Kalina Mackay is a member of the Publicity committee.

The UNC Dance Marathon is that it brings together so many of UNC’s amazing performing groups. Performances range from music groups, such as the Carolina Ukulele Ensemble, to dance groups like Kamikazi, all here to entertain the dancers.

Performances kicked off at 7:45 pm with the Achordants, a UNC acapella staple. A proceeding line-up of show-stoppers will continue until 2:00 pm on Saturday.

Blank Canvas, a dance group, is among those who have already performed.

Austin Regnerus, Blank Canvas Performance Team coordinator said, “Dance Marathon is an encouraging environment and it’s great to perform in front of such a warm and enthusiastic crowd”.

Blank Canvas dance group at the marathon.

Annie Proctor, Chair of Morale & Recruitment and a member of the Carolina Ukulele Ensemble agreed.

“It’s usually a much more active and energetic crowd at Dance Marathon,” Annie said. “It’s much more interactive than our other performances and it’s exciting to get to be performing before and after other different groups.”

Annie Proctor in the Carolina Ukulele Ensemble.

The performances are exciting for not only the dancers, but the performers as well.

“I thought Divergence (a male dance parody) was hilarious, and I think a lot of people didn’t expect it,” said Josie Armstrong, a dancer. Josie said that the the performances are “light hearted and fun to watch, they help you forget that you’re standing.”

Many performers are also participants in the marathon, and enjoy the opportunity to unite their passion for performing with their passion for the cause.

“I love being able to perform while being a dancer, this will be my third year of dancing while being a dancer” said Emilee Armstrong, C-Style Jazz Director. “It’s nice to have new fresh faces and you feed off the energy of each other.”

“Carolina For The Kids is for such a good cause that’s close to my heart so we will do anything Blank Canvas can do to inspire the dancers and keep them entertained” said Austin.

5 Hours, 5 Dancers, 5 Reasons to Stand

3/23/2018

Adwoa Baffoe-Bonnie is a member of the Publicity Committee

Over the first five hours of the marathon, we ask five dancers and volunteers throughout Fetzer about why they joined Carolina For The Kids, why they are dancing, and what the FTK cause means to them.

“I’ve loved being on Hospital & Family Relations Committee because I’ve gotten to witness firsthand the impact it has on the families, by going to the playroom and Parents Night Out. I’m proud to be a part of this because I know I’m making an impact on someone’s life.”
- Lindsey Braxton, Sophomore

“I’m here with my school, Southeast Collegiate Prep Academy, we are volunteering for Carolina For The Kids. I am doing this because I love volunteering for the children, and because it’s given me a better sense of hope for our state. I see the good things happening for kids in my state and I want to help out.”
- Shykeem Lloyd, Southeast Collegiate Prep Academy, Class of 2018

“I’m excited for Carolina For The Kids because it’s my first dance marathon and I’ve heard a lot of great things about it. The hospital chair went to my high school and now I’m on the hospital committee. I’m most excited to meet my Kid Co-Captain for the first time, and for the big reveal at the end.”
- Kepli Meadows, First-year

“Standing up for 24 hours is nothing compared to what the kids go through. I’ve always liked dancing so this is nothing new to me. Also you get to meet new people, and who doesn’t like hedgehogs? Doing this is bigger than ourselves.”
- Holden Cox, First-year

“What I’m looking forward to most is being with a lot of people who are passionate about the same thing, and we are all here for the same cause. I’m hoping to make new friends and have a memorable experience.”
- Becca Fiely, First-year

Thank you to all of our dancers and volunteers who care so much about our cause. 19 hours to go!

Carolina For The Kids Date Auction Recap

3/23/2018

Jessica Abel is a member of the Publicity committee.

Linda’s Downbar opened early for Carolina For The Kid’s second annual Date Auction March 5, as dancers and friends bid on dream dates, including a UNC cheerleader, basketball players Aaron Rohlman and Kane Ma, and Maisie the Corgi puppy.

Every table was full when the bidding started for Carolina For The Kids committee and exec members, including Morale & Recruitment members Olivia Burston and Chandler Briggs. Briggs showed off her double-jointed elbow, a clear dating plus.

Then it was on to UNC Cheerleader Zannos Grekos, whose talent of cooking authentic Greek food started a bidding war in the crowd.

Technology Chair Gabe Timotei matched Grekos’ offer, promising his winning date all the pasta they could eat and offering help with Spanish and French homework, a true win-win.

A date with senior basketball player Aaron Rohlman went for $50, narrowly beating the winning bid for Maisie the Corgi puppy. Half an hour with the fluffy, four-legged star went for almost $40. She’ll have her play date at 2018 UNC Dance Marathon on March 23 and 24.

Last but not least, Carolina For The Kids raffled off a date with Felix, a tiny hedgehog. With just minutes left to bid, bidders lined up to enter their $5 ticket in the raffle bucket. In the end, Brandon, Linda’s bartender, walked away with the grand prize. He cheered from behind the bar when his name was announced and he realized he’d be going on his dream date with Felix.

All proceeds went towards dancers’ totals, and Linda’s donated five percent of the food and drink sales to Carolina For The Kids.

Thank you to Linda's and all of our lovely dates.
Happy dating, dancers!

Sponsor Spotlight

3/22/2018

Emily Davis is a member of the Publicity committee.

The Carolina For The Kids Foundation could not do all that it does for the children and families of UNC Children's Hospital without the support of our incredible sponsors. With the marathon just a few days, we'd like to extend a special thank you to our 2018 sponsors.

Coastal Federal Credit Union

Coastal Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative located in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a long-time sponsor of Carolina For The Kids.

"Coastal has a long-standing relationship with UNC, and as the largest student-run nonprofit, Carolina For the Kids is a great natural partnership for us. We’ve admired the work that Carolina For the Kids does for the UNC Children’s Hospital, and we appreciate the fact that not only are the students our members, so are the families that they are helping."
- Joe Mecca, Coastal Federal Credit Union

KIND Snacks

KIND Snacks is a healthy foods company based in New York City, New York, with a mission of changing the world through kindness. KIND is continuing its sponsorship of the Carolina For The Kids this year, as well as providing snack throughout the marathon.

"A major mission at KIND Snacks is to promote and acknowledge acts of kindness in our community and worldwide, which is exactly why we love supporting CFTK! Our Carolina dancers will spend 24 hours standing, plus countless more hours spreading awareness and raising money for this cause. We are donating our KIND bars to support their tremendous spirits and energy through this process. Kindness is something you DO - it is active. Together, Carolina For The Kids and KIND are doing the kind thing for the kids, our dancers' bodies, and our world. #givekindatry"
- Danielle Parco, KIND University Ambassador

Carolina Dining Services

Carolina Dining Services, CDS, feeds and fuels the Tar Heels throughout their campus locations. CDS is committed to innovative cuisine; elegant catered events; first class, affordable meal plans; and activities that build community.

Chapel View & Chapel Ridge Apartments

Chapel Ridge is Chapel Hill’s best student living. Built specifically for college students with several spacious floor plans, Chapel Ridge is the top choice of UNC students. Residents can take advantage of their convenient location to campus and enjoy resort-style amenities.

Northwestern Mutual

The Northwestern Mutual is an American financial services mutual organization based in Milwaukee.

Starlux Game

Starlux Games provides Capture the Flag REDUX. Capture the Flag REDUX is an outdoor game kit that uses LED lighting technology to create a futuristic after dark adventure.

Exclusive Sneak Peek: 2018 Marathon Events

2/23/2018

McKenna Ritter is a member of the Publicity committee.

With only a few weeks left until the countdown to the marathon ends, many are wondering what kinds of performances and activities to expect from the 2018 UNC Dance Marathon. What does the CFTK team dressed in dinosaur or unicorn onesies have in store for the dancers? Here’s a short list of what to expect:

1. Hedgehogs

2. A new inflatable in Tar Heel Town

3. Glow-In-The-Dark Capture the Flag

4. Henna

5. Sports Tournaments

6. Many, Many More Surprises

Throughout the event, there will also be a multitude of funky themes to keep up the excitement. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until March 23 to discover the rest!

Marathon Packing Tips

2/22/2018

Sara Hall is a member of the Publicity committee.

Packing for an event like the Dance Marathon is daunting -- what exactly does one pack when they’re going to be awake and moving for 24 hours?

We asked some experienced dancers what they wished they had brought to their first Dance Marathon. Juniors Sara Pequeño, Olivia Wilkins and Anne Whitener recommend the following:

Lots of socks and an extra pair of shoes. A simple change of socks, shoes and clothes makes a big difference
Healthy snacks. You’ll be well fed at the marathon, but pack a few of your favorite snacks to munch on in between meals.
Tennis balls, they help with sore feet!
The essentials: Toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant
Face wash, to help you feel refreshed!
Ibuprofen or Advil
A sweatshirt or jacket
Sweatpants. Cozy is key.
Homework. The marathon has a quiet space called the “Cafe” where you can set up shop and get some work done in between activities.
A water bottle
A fanny pack. Bring your own or buy a CFTK pack there. It’s a staple accessory of the marathon, and a great way to keep snacks, your phone, and other essentials by your side throughout the 24 hours.
A charger for everything!

Make sure to leave space in your bag for some awesome CFTK merch, and other free sponsor swag!

Incentives at the 2018 UNC Dance Marathon

2/22/2018

Charlotte Lutz is a member of the Publicity committee.

Attention dancers: we have a fantastic 2018 incentive award structure! Great awards to get you "fired up" to raise more funds

Raise $200 or more, and earn a "Get Out of Jail Free" card. As veterans know, this card will come in handy! Throughout the marathon, friend or foe can donate to the marathon in order to have you put in "jail," where you will have to make a donation, or share your dancer page on social media, to get out.

Raise $300, and you get a laptop sticker, tennis balls and a Ben & Jerry's fast pass. The tennis balls are a major must-have for sore feet, and you'll be thankful for the fast pass when Ben & Jerry's sets up shop at the marathon.

Wanting to go above and beyond? Raise $500, and get to enjoy the marathon rave up on the main stage, bring a friend to the marathon and free socks! Everyone appreciates a good rave.

Raise $750, and you get pool time. That's right, high achievers get to enjoy a dip in the Bowman Gray Pool. You also get a "Skip The Line"pass for meals.

For $900, you get to skip the line for inflatables and a shower! (Your co-dancers will appreciate the latter.)

Raise $1,500 and you get one free merch item of your choice, and of course, all of the above perks.

So, as you can see you can earn a number of fun and practical gifts! So, please keep fundraising, and see you at the 2018 UNC Dance Marathon.

<<Previous

Final Jam Recap

Dancer Words of Wisdom

Zumba: CFTK Style

Performance Groups Shine at the Marathon

5 Hours, 5 Dancers, 5 Reasons to Stand

Carolina For The Kids Date Auction Recap

Sponsor Spotlight

Exclusive Sneak Peek: 2018 Marathon Events

Marathon Packing Tips

Incentives at the 2018 UNC Dance Marathon

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