DanceBlue Raises $673,976.60

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 21, 2011) – With sore feet, worn-out bodies and emotions running high, committee members revealed a grand fundraising total of $673,976.60 at the sixth annual DanceBlue dance marathon to a crowd of several thousand people Saturday night.

Whether participating as a dancer, volunteer, committee member or even just a supporter, DanceBlue is something no one ever forgets, especially the last few hours. With a family talent show featuring children from the pediatric oncology clinic and an emotional memorial hour to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer, the reveal was a much anticipated moment.

DanceBlue began in 2006 by raising $123,323.16 and has increased every year. With this year's total, DanceBlue has contributed more than $2.6 million to the Golden Matrix Fund and the UK Pediatric Oncology Clinic.

Nearly 700 dancers completed DanceBlue. All of the money raised at this annual 24-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon benefits children with cancer and their families and cancer research.

Kayla Talbot, a graduate student from Albany, Ky., and DanceBlue morale team member, reflected on what DanceBlue means to her, "It is physical. It is emotional. It is an eye opening experience that affects your heart, mind and body."