EagleTHON Launches into Action

ARTICLE BY DANIELLE CASTILE AND HAIDEN S. FOX

PHOTOS BY JOHN “JACK” FRANKIE / Correspondent DESIGN BY MIKYLA BERISH / Managing Editor

On Feb. 25, Dance Marathon at ERAU hosted EagleTHON, a studentled movement focused on improving the lives of children and families affected by childhood injury and illness at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital. The culmination of the year’s work is displayed to the community via a freeand-fun event open to all. This year, it was held on the New Residence Courtyard basketball court from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This year’s theme was “Launch Their Future.” The event was covered with outer space decorations featuring astronaut blowups and various activities and games. The event consisted of performances by the Dancing Eagles, Acafellas, and SPF 50. The DJ for the event was Dylan from WIKD! Every hour on the hour, a line dance was performed by all participants, with the Dance Team Captain, Sierra Burns, leading the dance. The dance was not only performed but choreographed by the Dancing Eagles!

The event closed with participants forming a Circle of Hope where Dance Marathon Executive Director, Danielle Castile, explained the significance of the hospital bands that attendees were given when they signed in and the significance of the movement we had made during our event and continue to make every year. During the Circle of Hope, everyone held hands as Scott Nicholson, Marathon Director, went around cutting off the bands.

The Circle of Hope is a staple at Dance Marathons around the country. The final event of the evening was the “Total Reveal.” This year the fundraising total was over $4000 for local kids at the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital!

In just four years of being a program on EmbryRiddle’s campus, Dance Marathon has raised about $50,000 for the hospital and plans to grow that number exponentially in the next few years!