MASC/MAHS truly is for LIFE! Many students take the lessons that they learn from MASC/MAHS programs well into their collegiate years, and the 2009-2010 State Charity of the Year is a true story attributed to this concept! The Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan (known now as DM@UM) has been selected as this year's statewide charity. This will no doubt be an exciting year for our member schools, as you will have the opportunity to not only raise money for a worthwhile MICHIGAN-based cause, but you will also have the opportunity to participate in the fun yourselves!

Here's some preliminary information. Be sure to contact Todd (todd@mymassp.com) if you have any questions! Don't forget to download the Charity Donation Form and send it in to the MASC/MAHS office for proper processing of your school's donation.

• Charity Donation Form in Word format.




Mission Statement:

Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan strives to engage and empower the campus and community to build relationships and heighten social awareness by raising funds in a creative, energetic and inspiring manner for children in need of rehabilitation.

What Is DM @ UM?

Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan (DM @ UM) is one of the largest student-run non-profit organizations on the University of Michigan’s campus. DM @ UM strives to raise both monetary support and awareness for the needs of pediatric rehabilitation programs through year-round events. Each year we allocate funds for rehabilitation programs to C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. These creative and interactive therapies enrich the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

What is Pediatric Rehabilitation?

Therapy programs sponsored by DM @ UM are designed to help children living with developmental disorders. DM @ UM sponsors over 25 therapy programs, which focus on three aspects of wellness: physical, emotional, and social. These programs help children grow stronger, prepare for and manage daily challenges, make friends, and have fun. Parents also benefit by finding support from other families facing similar challenges. DM @ UM makes a special contribution by enabling the hospitals to run pediatric rehabilitation programs that would not exist otherwise.

Therapy programs made available by DM @ UM include:

-Martial Arts

-Wheel Chair Basketball

-Summer Day Camp

-Adaptive Tree-Climbing

-Cycling

-Hand and Arm Movement Therapy

-Child and Family Life Services

-School Re-entry

Where do DM @ UM’s funds go?

55% of the money raised each year benefits therapy programs at C.S. Mott Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. 30% of the money raised each year benefits Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI. Families from all over Michigan come to these hospitals to engage in these unique therapy programs. Lastly, 15% of the funds are saved for long-term projects. The funds for long-term projects provide security for the future of DM @ UM and ensure that our families will be able to benefit for years to come. DM @ UM is run entirely by students at The University of Michigan, meaning that none of the funds are used to pay employees and the money is able to directly benefit families in need.

What is the Dance Marathon?

Our year-round efforts culminate in March when hundreds of students stand on their feet for thirty hours to show their dedication to the children, families, and hospitals we support. At this event, called the Dance Marathon, hundreds of individuals and groups from campus and the community come together to raise awareness about pediatric rehabilitation. During the Marathon, dancers are challenged mentally and physically, gaining perspective of the even greater challenges and obstacles facing the children we support.

Why a Dance Marathon?

We do this for two reasons:

• To represent the hardships of the children DM @ UM supports
• To celebrate the accomplishments achieved, and relationships built throughout the year in the organization

How can you help?

Schools throughout the state hold Mini Marathons to raise funds and awareness for DM @ UM. These schools range from elementary schools to middle schools and high schools. Mini Marathons are ways for students to stand up for children who can’t stand up for themselves. This gives students the opportunity to be leaders within their own community and bring attention to this special cause.

The first mini marathon was held at Mill Creek Middle School, located in Dexter, Michigan. For the past three years, students at Mill Creek have worked hard to raise money for pediatric rehabilitation, and have stood on their feet for three hours, engaging in various activities and dances.

The Mini Marathon can be a version of DM @ UM’s own Dance Marathon, or schools may choose to create their own variation.

Ideas? Questions? Sound Cool? Contact todd@mymassp.com!