Jagathon raises record high of $607,870.25

Every March at IUPUI has one main focus, Jagathon. The annual dance marathon where members of the IU community come together to raise money for Riley's Children’s Hospital. This year’s Jagathon will go down in history as all 1,248 members raised a record high of $607,870,25. 

15 hours of dancing seems extreme, but to the volunteers involved, this is just part of their job to give back. 

“This was my first time attending Jagathon. I wanted to go because I wanted to feel like I was making a difference in people’s lives and to let families know [IUPUI] is standing by them,” freshman Grace Knox said. “This seemed like an opportunity to show families they’re not alone.”

Along with dancing, mini games, like a food eating contest and Hungry Hippos were held throughout the night. Xiphos Dance Corps. performed during the halftime performance. 

“I participated in Battleships which is a big water fight in the Natatorium, '' sophomore Rebeca Fernandez said. “I think it’s important [to participate in Jagathon events] because we are a smaller, nonconventional school and we are still able to hold huge events like this.”

Towards the end of the night, the total amount of money raised was being counted and the emotion of the room was heavy. All of the hard work volunteers put into raising money for Riley’s Children’s Hospital was paying off. 

“Honestly, [after], hearing the Riley kids’ stories, coming together and helping people through those unfortunate events [was a great feeling],” freshman Dawson Koesters said. “It's also amazing that they're blessed enough to have support in the community that they live in as well.”

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