If we claim to care about our community and live out our faith, then showing up matters, and Dance Marathon is one of the clearest ways to do exactly that. It is a tangible opportunity to reflect Jesus’ servant heart and righteousness while also stepping away from the stress and busyness of everyday life. No matter who you are, you can make a difference. Your presence and your support matters. Your attendance means everything to little children who are ostracized for medical circumstances they cannot control. By being a part of something bigger than yourself, you can transform lives and shine the light of Jesus Christ.
It is easy to talk about faith in abstract terms. It is much harder to live it out in a way that costs us something, whether that be our time, our attention, or our comfort, but this is exactly what we are called to do. Being the “hands and feet of Jesus” means showing up for people who are hurting, standing with those who feel alone, and offering hope in practical ways. Dance Marathon embodies that calling. By supporting children and families at local children’s hospitals served by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, this event transforms compassion into action. It is not just symbolic. It is real, direct, and impactful. It creates a ripple effect.
Every dollar raised goes toward helping children in our own community receive the care they need. That alone should be reason enough to participate. More than that, this event reflects the kind of love Jesus demonstrated—one that is active, sacrificial, and deeply personal. These are not distant stories or statistics; these are real families facing unimaginable challenges. If we believe in loving our neighbors, then supporting them through something like Dance Marathon is not optional—it is essential. Being a part of Dance Marathon does not necessarily mean donating money, as attending college can be financially stressful. Generosity can take different forms, such as serving, advocating, and spreading Jesus’ selfless love to everyone who crosses your path.
What makes Dance Marathon uniquely powerful is that it does not ask people to choose between doing good and enjoying themselves. The Bible emphasizes serving, stating, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love,” (Galatians 5:13). Too often, service is framed as something heavy or burdensome, but Dance Marathon challenges that idea. It proves that joy and purpose can exist together. In fact, they should. The event offers food, games, activities, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages, creating a space where people can genuinely have fun while contributing to something meaningful.
In a culture where stress, anxiety, and constant busyness are the norm, people are searching for an escape—something that allows them to step away, recharge, and reconnect. Dance Marathon provides exactly that, but in a way that is far more fulfilling than passive entertainment. Instead of scrolling on a phone or watching another show, attendees get to be part of a community, build relationships, and make a lasting impact. You can drive change and bring hope. Dance Marathon is a reminder that the best kind of escape is not one that distracts us from reality, but one that draws us into something greater than ourselves.
Despite its name, Dance Marathon is intentionally inclusive and accessible. No dancing is required. People can come as they are, stay for as long as they are able, and participate in whatever way feels comfortable. The event is free, making it easy to invite friends, family, and neighbors. Whether someone stays for an hour or the entire day, their presence matters—and that accessibility is part of what makes it such a strong reflection of Christ’s love. Everyone is welcome.
There are also tangible ways to give beyond attendance. A silent auction, items for purchase, and donation drives—such as collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House and books for hospitalized children—offer simple but meaningful ways to contribute, not simply at the event but all year round on your own or with others! Volunteering, too, plays a crucial role. Serving at this event is not just about helping things run smoothly or volunteering at a local hospital, it is actively choosing to put others first, which is at the heart of what it means to follow Jesus.
Ultimately, Dance Marathon is more than a single-day event. It is a statement about who we are as a community and what we value. It says that we refuse to stand by while children and families struggle alone. It says that our faith is not just something we believe, but something we practice. And it shows that doing good does not have to be separate from experiencing joy—it can, and should, be both. So the question is not whether this is a worthwhile way to spend a Saturday. The question is whether we are willing to live out what we claim to believe. If we want to be the hands and feet of Jesus, then this is our chance. Do it for the kids still fighting. Do it for the survivors. And do it for those we remember. Because faith is not just something we talk about—it is something we live.
