Despite the failing economy, Dance Marathon is expected to receive a total donation rivaling last years' $144,823.06.

"Dance marathons around the country use a pretty recession-proof strategy of asking lots of people for small amounts of money. These small asks add up and largely haven't slowed as a result of the economy," said junior Patrick Frailey, DM fundraising chair. So far this year, Dance Marathon has received a total of 1,000 donations and, according to Frailey, that number continues to rise.

Dance Marathon made roughly $6,000 is 2003 when it was first established at Vanderbilt.

Since then, the organization has grown exponentially and over the past six years has raised $574,000 for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, according to Anna Crossley, assistant director of development for Children's Miracle Network.

Dance Marathon teams consist of dancers, required to raise $250 dollars, and moralers, required to raise $175. As of Feb. 2, the top fundraiser is team Morale Captains, who have already raised over $11,000.

All of the proceeds raised by Dance Marathon goes to the Children's Hospital.
"Last year, VCH had over $17.5 million in uncompensated care, and 60 percent of the families treated at the hospital required financial assistance," Frailey said. The Children's Hospital is part of the Children's Miracle Network, a network of hospitals that pledge to treat every child who is admitted.

To make donating a little easier, the group has created a system whereby donations can be sent via text message. "We know that not everyone who wants to contribute can make it to the event," Nancy Tan, Morale Committee co-chair and emcee. "So all they have to do is text ‘VUDM' to 90999 and that automatically contributes $5."

There are also a few programming changes, Tan said.

"In terms of events, there are a few additions. We are playing ‘singles out' (a ‘90's dating game) this year," Tan said. Participants compete for dates with juniors Wyatt Smith or Tracy Branding. "We are having a VH1 comedian come."

Also performing this year is cover band Foreplay and Seven Beers Ago, Tan said.

"The event begins at 7 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center. We have the fashion show with all the athletes again. The ‘90's dating show begins at 10:45 followed by the hypnotist. (The) VH1 comedian is coming on at 12:30."

Despite the minor changes and economic realities the mission is the same, Tan said.

"It is still the biggest fundraiser on campus, and it is basically a 14-hour party of a fundraiser," Tan said. "This is a great place where people can see student groups like VIBE and Momentum perform. But mostly, it is about raising money for a great cause."

Sydney Wilmer contributed reporting to this article.