Campus News

Countdown to DanceBlue: Kentucky For The Kids

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan 12, 2016)  As the countdown to Feb. 27 continues, big things are happening around the state for DanceBlue.

First, DanceBlue has rallied excitement and sprit throughout the Commonwealth since 2009 with various “mini marathons” sponsored in Kentucky elementary, middle and high schools. Contrary to the popular meaning of the term, nobody is running 13.1 miles. These events are based on the original DanceBlue Dance Marathon — each mini marathon runs a fraction of the length, but participants still fundraise, dance and stand to support pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Mini Marathons Chair Evan Adams, a junior, has been a major force in the success of these events.

“Right now, there are 16 confirmed, and potentially 23 mini marathons for the year," said Adams. "That's awesome!”

Those numbers don’t begin to describe DanceBlue’s geographic reach, which has extended to 13 counties throughout the state since the first mini marathon in 2009.

Adams put it into perspective, “We stretch from Henderson County High School in the west all the way to the Harlan County High School in the east.”

That is 332 miles, all for the kids.

Last year, mini marathons sponsored in those 13 counties raised $180,496.11. But no matter how large, a dollar figure can never replace the importance of the genuine emotions felt for DanceBlue families.

“It is important for the mini marathons to maintain a truly joyful spirit that can radiate to others,” Adams said. “A zeal for the cause and a friendly demeanor embodies us — from current University of Kentucky students to mini marathon participants  to support our families in the DanceBlue Clinic.

Another statewide opportunity for involvement throughout Kentucky to support DanceBlue is becoming a part of Kroger's Community Rewards Program. Each time you shop at Kroger, a portion of what you spend will directly benefit DanceBlue. Below are the steps to follow to register your card with Kroger:

1.     Head to www.krogercommunityrewards.com!

2.     Click on Sign In/Register

3.     If you are a new online customer, click on, 'Sign Up Today' in the 'New Customer' box.

4.     Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address, creating a password, and agreeing to the terms and conditions.

5.     You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.

6.     Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.

7.     Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number.

8.     Update or confirm your information.

9.     Enter DanceBlue's NPO number, which is 52649.

10.  Select 'University of KY DanceBlue' from the list and click on confirm.

To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see 'University of KY DanceBlue on the right side of your information page.

If you do not have a Kroger Plus card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger. 

Your purchases will not benefit DanceBlue until after you register your card. If you are having issues getting your Kroger Plus card number, call 800-576-4377 and select option 4 to retrieve your card's number. You must swipe your card or use the phone number that is related to your registered Kroger Plus card when shopping for each purchase to count.
 

These amazing opportunities just go to show the DanceBlue mission – “For The Kids” – has been embraced with open arms throughout the entire Commonwealth. 

DanceBlue is the University of Kentucky's 24-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon that benefits the Golden Matrix Fund and the DanceBlue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic. Now in its 11th year, DanceBlue has raised more than $8.2 million dollars for pediatric cancer research and child life efforts.

For more information about DanceBlue, registration information or to support its efforts, please visit danceblue.org. Connect with DanceBlue on Facebook at facebook.com/danceblue and on Twitter at twitter.com/UKDanceBlue. Read your stories on the DanceBlue blog at wearedanceblue.wordpress.com.

DanceBlue is a program housed in the UK Center for Community Outreach. 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.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Katy Bennett or Rebecca Stratton, katy.bennett@uky.edu or rebecca.stratton@uky.edu, 859-257-1909/859-323-2395