This year for Child Health Day on Monday Oct. 1, SMU Dance Marathon raised $10,900 in one day towards pediatric research and care, beating its original goal of $10,100.

SMU Dance Marathon is a student-run organization that prides itself in raising money and awareness for hospitals and organizations dedicated to research and care for pediatric illnesses. Besides hosting events in devotion to this cause, SMUDM also contributes to national events, such as Child Health Day.

Child Health Day is a national observance that is celebrated on the first Monday of October each year. As the name suggests, it is a day dedicated to raising awareness of children’s health research. SMUDM contributed by dancing for the cause. This year, students donated all of its funds toward the Children’s Health Hospital in Dallas.

On top of beating their initial goal, the students triumphed in the Children’s Miracle Network challenge. They raised the most money on Child Health Day in their division. Also, Vice President of Finance for SMUDM Bella Bernardini won the challenge for the most money raised by an individual. Bernardini raised over $4,000. These successes led to a generous donation by the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals toward SMUDM’s fundraising goal for 2018.

SMUDM’s next big event is scheduled for Nov. 18. The dance marathon will be held on SMU campus, and will consist of 12 hours worth of performances and lively activities. Also, families who have benefited from these fundraisers and donations will attend. The families will share how SMUDM, and other organizations like them, have touched their lives and given them hope.

Those interested in more information or in making a donation can check out the SMUDM website.