Indiana University Dance Marathon, the second-highest student philanthropy in the world, took place this past weekend to raise a total of $ 3,003,837.23 for Riley Hospital for Children. The organization is special because of the 17 specific student committees that work together to host the event at the Tennis Center each year.
Known as “the crazy ones” the Morale Committee is one of the groups which selects 60 students who are rowdy and passionate about IUDM. Each year the committee leads the marathon with excitement and teaches a 12-minute-long line dance.
The line dance specifically is the main project the Morale Committee works on throughout the school year. They create a mash-up of upbeat music to keep the spirits high for all those involved in IUDM.
Beyond the dancing, Morale is notorious for their tie-dye-colored shirts and the craziest, bright outfits that bring attention. The dancers are dedicated, performing in costume for the entire 36 hour-long marathon without sitting down.
Junior Ellie Rising joined IUDM in 2021, as a freshman she started as a dancer at the marathon. After seeing the Morale Committee, she knew instantly she wanted to be a part of the inspiring group.
“I saw these people in tie-dye shirts, and they just made the room, even though it was somewhat bare just glow and they brought the magic to everyone around them,” said Rising.” They spread such positivity, and I was like I will do this, and I will be on that committee.”
Rising is one out of the other 59 Morale Committee members. Vaugn Mihok is a senior member who recalls his experience with the group.
“I interviewed for [Morale], definitely wasn’t a typical interview. You might think business casual or something like that, but no they actually want you to come prepared with a skit.”
This committee is not your typical one either. To be a part of IUDM, students must audition to be chosen as one of the Morale dancers. To become a member, each applicant prepares a skit with a costume and must perform in from of a panel to be chosen for the committee.
Mihok auditioned as a one-eyed, one-horse flying purple people eater to secure his spot as a member of the Morale Committee.
Once the group is selected, Morale hosts weekly Wednesday meetings, line dance practices, and Sunday meetups preparing the line dance and donating to IUDM.
Evi Underhill, the IUDM Morale director shares her experience within the dance marathon and the impact IUDM Morale makes.
“During such a selfish time that college can be, a group of students that take 36 hours and I mean a year’s worth of work but 36 hours, just like completely present here with kids,” said Morale Director Evi Underhill.” And I think that’s like the most special, awesome thing in the world.
This year the Morale Committee raised $250,000 for the kids at the marathon and during Day of Hope.
25% of IUDM’s donations go toward clinical expenses for those in treatment, and the other amount 75% goes to support pediatric health research at the Riley Hospital Wells Center for Pediatric Health Research.
Morale and all who participate in the dance marathon are passionate for helping Riley Hospital for Children. Together all the students in IUDM work to raise awareness for Riley across campus and throughout Indiana to make a nationwide impact.
