Cheryl Phillips the 2019 Newsletter Subchair
The Past of Carolina For The Kids
'Since our founding in 1999, Carolina for the Kids has hit, and even surpassed, many milestones. The first dance marathon took place with 75 dancers and raised $40,000 FTK, and we have seen immense growth over the last twenty years.
Only one year after the founding of the Dance Marathon, the For the Kids Fund was established and the first annual silent auction took place, which would later transform into the benefit reception.
Following these developments, we continued to see big sponsors and endorsements, even from the Chapel Hill mayor in 2001. As we continued to grow, we saw appearances from Roy Williams and Will Ferrell, who showed their love FTK through the Marathon.
In 2010 we established our Kid Co-Captain program, where children who have benefited from our work are invited to interact with our dancers and serve as a representation of all that we can achieve for the patients at UNC Children's.
In the following years, the annual Kilometers FTK and For(mal) the Kids began. In the early years of the our organization, we were solely the Dance Marathon. However, with more team members and more support, we have broadened our horizons to host events throughout the year and partner with a variety of other organizations, creating Carolina for the Kids as we know it today.
Our organization is now so much more than simply the dance marathon, although the marathon is still our largest event. Each year our fundraising efforts have increased and we have been able to do more and more for each family that we are able to assist. Although we have faced many obstacles in and outside of our organization, we have always stood strong and come through it together.
Only one year after the founding of the Dance Marathon, the For the Kids Fund was established and the first annual silent auction took place, which would later transform into the benefit reception.
Following these developments, we continued to see big sponsors and endorsements, even from the Chapel Hill mayor in 2001. As we continued to grow, we saw appearances from Roy Williams and Will Ferrell, who showed their love FTK through the Marathon.
In 2010 we established our Kid Co-Captain program, where children who have benefited from our work are invited to interact with our dancers and serve as a representation of all that we can achieve for the patients at UNC Children's.
In the following years, the annual Kilometers FTK and For(mal) the Kids began. In the early years of the our organization, we were solely the Dance Marathon. However, with more team members and more support, we have broadened our horizons to host events throughout the year and partner with a variety of other organizations, creating Carolina for the Kids as we know it today.
Our organization is now so much more than simply the dance marathon, although the marathon is still our largest event. Each year our fundraising efforts have increased and we have been able to do more and more for each family that we are able to assist. Although we have faced many obstacles in and outside of our organization, we have always stood strong and come through it together.
Where we are now
We have created our own history and supported the kids in the best ways that we could through both trying and exciting times. Right now is no different.
With the issues and disruptions of COVID-19 in the forefront of everyone’s minds, it is easy to panic and lose sight of our mission. However, I encourage each and every one of you to take this time of reduced activity and unprecedented circumstances to remember why we do what we do.
While the Coronavirus has led to increased hospitalization and medical expenses for many patients around the world, the families that we support have been learning to deal with these types of things for months or years now.
Our funds continue to support UNC Children’s and the patients that benefit from the research grants, meals provided, and Ronald McDonald House stays. As our the Dance Marathon takes a virtual format for the first time in our history, we continue to be grateful for all that we can accomplish FTK and for all the support of so many dedicated people.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for helping us make history once again.
With the issues and disruptions of COVID-19 in the forefront of everyone’s minds, it is easy to panic and lose sight of our mission. However, I encourage each and every one of you to take this time of reduced activity and unprecedented circumstances to remember why we do what we do.
While the Coronavirus has led to increased hospitalization and medical expenses for many patients around the world, the families that we support have been learning to deal with these types of things for months or years now.
Our funds continue to support UNC Children’s and the patients that benefit from the research grants, meals provided, and Ronald McDonald House stays. As our the Dance Marathon takes a virtual format for the first time in our history, we continue to be grateful for all that we can accomplish FTK and for all the support of so many dedicated people.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for helping us make history once again.