Mini in Name but Mighty in Spirit (and Dollars!)

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2015) — When most people think about DanceBlue, the University of Kentucky's 24 hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon that benefits the Golden Matrix Fund and the DanceBlue KCH Hematology/Oncology Clinic at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital, they think about college students coming together to support a cause. What many people do not think about, or even know about, are the countless hours of work put in by students too young to attend UK. High schools, middle schools and even elementary schools all across the state of Kentucky hold miniature dance marathons to benefit the organization, ranging from six to 10 hours.

These "mini marathons" are mini in name only; the passion that student participants demonstrate at their events is overwhelming and contagious.

The first DanceBlue mini marathon occurred at Lexington Catholic High School Nov. 14, 2009, raising $12,352 for DanceBlue. This marathon was the beginning of a partnership between students of all ages, unified for one cause.

The mini marathon program has grown immensely, and DanceBlue would not be able to achieve the success that is has without it. This year, more than 20 schools are hosting mini marathons to support DanceBlue.

In 2014, mini marathons counted for 9 percent of DanceBlue’s $1.4 million.

“The impact of cancer is something that even us as college students struggle to see, so to see high school, middle school and elementary students put forth so much effort towards the amazing kids at the clinic makes my job worth every second,” says Erica Shipley, DanceBlue’s Mini Marathons chair.

Schools from Lexington, Louisville, Owensboro, Ashland, Versailles and Mt. Vernon will all be contributing to the record high number of mini marathons for DanceBlue 2015.

“With over 20 schools holding various mini marathons in support of DanceBlue, the Commonwealth comes together to unite and fight the battle of cancer with the families of the DanceBlue KCH Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic,” Shipley said.

One of the unique qualities of DanceBlue compared to other collegiate dance marathons is that the funds raised directly benefit members of the Commonwealth. DanceBlue is proud to work with so many other Kentuckians to support those in need. Below is a complete list of 2015 DanceBlue mini marathons:

Henry Clay High School, November 21

Bryan Station High School, December 5

Woodford County High School, December 5

Ballard High School, April 17

Dunbar High School, April 11

EJ Hayes Middle School, February 6

Kentucky Country Day School, January 18

Russell High School, January 31

Rockcastle County High School, February 7

Oldham County High School, February 6

West Jessamine High School, February 7

Lafayette High School, January 10

Apollo High School (Owensboro, Ky.), January 31

Lexington Christian Academy, January 16-17

Tates Creek High School, January 24

DanceBlue is UK’s 24 hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon that benefits the Golden Matrix Fund and the DanceBlue KCH Hematology/Oncology Clinic at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Now in its tenth year, DanceBlue has raised more than $6.5 million for pediatric cancer research and child life efforts. Give to DanceBlue here and connect with DanceBlue on Facebook at www.facebook.com/danceblue and on Twitter at twitter.com/UKDanceBlue.

DanceBlue is a program housed in the UK Center for Community Outreach (CCO). The CCO seeks to serve, connect and unite the University of Kentucky with the surrounding community in collaborative efforts to promote life-long community service. For more information about the CCO, visit getinvolved.uky.edu/cco. Connect with the CCO on Facebook here and on Twitter at twitter.com/ukcco.

MEDIA CONTACT: Katy Bennett, katy.bennett@uky.edu, 859-257-1909

DanceBlue Contact: Michael Danahy, pr@danceblue.org