Kick Off the Race to DanceBlue with Blitz Week 2016

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 23, 2016) — The beginning of fall marks the beginning of the race to DanceBlue, one of the most participated in events on the University of Kentucky’s campus. To mark the closing of team and individual dancer registration, DanceBlue committee will be hosting a Blitz Week, Sept. 26-30, on campus with several exciting events throughout the week.

All Week: Gold Ribbon Ready

Like always, students should make sure they are Gold Ribbon Ready for this week! The national symbol for pediatric awareness is the gold ribbon. To show your support, pick up a gold ribbon at one of the DanceBlue tables set up outside of White Hall, the Mining Minerals Building and Bowman’s Den throughout the week. Then, show it off on social media with the hashtag #GoldRibbonReady!

Monday, Sept. 26: Why Do You DanceBlue?

Considering dancing at the marathon? Students can share how they live #ForTheKids on the DanceBlue chalkboard outside of White Hall Classroom Building, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Show support on social media using the hashtags #DB17, #FTK and #GoldRibbonReady and be sure to tag @UK_DanceBlue!

Tuesday, Sept. 27: Golden Balloon Day!

What better way to celebrate a new DanceBlue team than coming together for a fun photo op? Stop by outside of Bowman’s Den, White Hall Classroom Building and the Mining Minerals Building, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., to share in the excitement and talk fundraising ideas with DanceBlue committee members.  

Wednesday, Sept. 28: Shop at the “DanceBlue-tique!”

There is no better way to show support for National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month than sporting some new DanceBlue gear! It is never too early to get a jumpstart on holiday shopping either! Visit the DanceBlue tent outside the Mining Minerals Building, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., to purchase a #FTKFriday outfit. Cash, check and credit card will be accepted.

Thursday, Sept. 29: #TBTDB Throwback to DanceBlue Thursday!

As the deadline to have the opportunity dance quickly approaches, Thursday is all about DanceBlue teams! Teams will have the opportunity to show the committee who makes up the team, the team's goals and excitement for DanceBlue 2017. Utilize the hashtag #TagYourTeam to do so. The time to get excited for the marathon is now!

Friday, Sept. 30: #FTKFriday

Friday is the final day to register to dance as a team or independent dancer. To celebrate, join the DanceBlue family by grabbing some tasty lemonade at Elena’s Lemonade Stand outside of White Hall. The fun doesn’t stop there though; students can bring their dancing shoes as the "DanceBlue 2016 Line Dance" will be playing. It’s about time there was a flash mob on campus!

DanceBlue has fostered a sense of community on UK’s campus and across the state of Kentucky. From supporting the families in the clinic to dancing, sweating and laughing together during the marathon; the bonds the organization creates are unbreakable. In order to be part of this, though, students have to sign up by Sept. 30. To be a part of this family visit, http://danceblue.org/students/get-involved/.

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 12th year, DanceBlue has raised more than $9.8 million dollars for pediatric cancer research and child life efforts.

For more information about DanceBlue, registration information or to support its efforts, please visit http://danceblue.org. Connect with DanceBlue on Facebook at www.facebook.com/danceblue and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/UKDanceBlue.

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 lifelong community service. 

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, visit uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

DANCEBLUE CONTACT: Kaylee Hobbs, UK DanceBlue public relations chair, PR@danceblue.org

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