Dance Big Red (DBR), an annual dance marathon led by WKU students, took place on Friday, March 7, at the Preston Center. Now in its 11th year, DBR raises money for Norton’s Children’s Hospital in Louisville, a hospital that treats children from Kentucky and the surrounding areas.
Molly Ann Daniel, a Russellville, Kentucky, resident and foundation event coordinator, said she has an extraordinary connection to Norton’s Children’s Hospital and DBR as both a student and an alumna.
“I had open heart surgery when I was 6 years old and also underwent facial reconstruction surgery when I was 9 years old,” Daniel said. “I knew I wanted to give back to a hospital that saved my life.”
Daniel said the influence of DBR on her life is important as she now holds a position at the hospital. She began working with DBR in 2015 as a committee member. She then became the overall co-chair and moved from that to alumni support. Presently, Daniel said she is a Coordinator for the Norton’s Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Daniel said her long-term involvement in DBR has ensured a host of emotional yet inspiring moments.
“I enjoy connecting with our hospital families every year and watching their growth,” Daniel said. “During the 10 years I have been involved, I have seen kids go off to college, beat their diagnosis, become leaders for Dance Big Red, and thrive; that makes the long hours and dedication worth it every year.”
Daniel said DBR is also an opportunity for students to get out of their shells. She said it is incredible to watch students support the hospital. Students will join a color team that comprises the family, the patient, and the students. She said the families of the patients are deemed “Superhero families.”
“Our students will hear stories from our Superhero families that will help you understand the purpose behind the event,” Daniel said. “You will bond with your color teams through fundraising competitions and games and enjoy true joy as you dance the night away.”
Daniel said her former position on the DBR executive board helped both her career and the families involved. Kappa Delta member Reese Miller from Bowling Green is on the executive board as the family relations chair and said she is also connected to DBR’s cause.
“After tragically losing both of my brothers to leukemia, I have had a passion for giving back to families going through similar struggles,” Miller said. “I heard about the incredible work DBR does for Norton’s and knew I had to be a part of it.”
Miller said her endless compassion has been at the forefront of her life for a long time, even when she was a freshman in high school participating in Dance Little Red, a dance marathon for high schoolers that benefits Norton’s.
Currently, Miller said her role in DBR fills her with emotion but is also fun. She said she is in charge of building relationships with the Superhero families, planning activities and keeping DBR members informed on ways to donate. On the night of DBR, Miller said she is in charge of organizing the family room, a place in which families and their children can enjoy crafts, food, and toys.
“I have loved every single thing about this position and am forever changed for the better because of it,” Miller said.
Miller said that some people are hesitant to participate in DBR because it is a long event, but the time you spend there is always meaningful and welcome.
“I know 6 hours may sound a bit overwhelming, but I promise you will have so much support and positive energy surrounding you at the event,” Miller said. “I want people to know that you do not have to be on the executive board or committees to impact this organization; even just by registering and attending the night of, you are making a huge difference.”
Miller said she wants to encourage everyone to walk alongside these children in their courageous battles.
“Get involved with DBR so no child ever has to fight alone,” Miller said. “Everything we do is ‘Just for Kids’ and our Norton Children’s families are the true heart of this organization.”
Miller said the goal for this year’s donations was $90,000. This year’s event raised approximately $105,517.800. According to DBR’s Instagram, this is the first time DBR has earned over $100,000. Miller said multiple student organizations across campus were there to witness this, including the Mahurin Honors College, the Office of Scholar Development, and Panhellenic groups.
Ari Obando, a sophomore from Nashville, said he attended DBR alongside his brothers in Alpha Tau Omega. He said he believes that this is something no one should miss, including those in Greek life. DBR is an event that hosts a variety of different group activities, including sports, games, and, of course, group dances. He said the group aspect of DBR often allows many student organizations to participate.
“How could you miss this?” Obando said. “ I feel like everyone should involve themselves in this because it really is helping people who need it.”
Obando said he experienced the emotional gravity of the event firsthand as he saw the children and families involved in Dance Big Red.
“It’s 100% a good cause,” Miller said. “The children and their families there have smiles on their faces or laugh the entire time because of everyone acting goofy.”
Aside from the charitable elements of the event, Miller said it also gives others from different Panhellenic and academic groups a chance to mingle and enjoy one another’s company.
“One of my favorite parts of the night is getting to meet people from different organizations on campus,” Obando said. “It felt like a true community.” ‘
While the night of DBR is over, the fight is not. Norton’s Children’s Hospital accepts donations every day. To donate, visit Norton’s Children’s Hospital to ensure that no child has to fight alone.