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The annual Rutgers Dance Marathon took place this weekend and raised a record total of close to $1.1 million dollars. It was just the second time the million dollar mark was eclipsed, topping last year’s total by almost $20K. The event raises money for the Embrace Kids Foundation, which “exists to lighten the burden, maintain normalcy and improve the quality of life for families whose children are facing cancer, sickle cell and other serious health challenges. Embrace Kids addresses the spiritual, emotional and financial needs of patient families in the New Jersey/New York City metropolitan area.”
Your #RUDM2018 total is $1,055,468.37! #FTK #Rutgers pic.twitter.com/DKeC37ufN0
— RU Dance Marathon (@RUDanceMarathon) April 8, 2018
It was the 20th year of the Dance Marathon at Rutgers, which I can proudly admit I attended the first two as a student. It’s amazing to see how the event has grown and evolved, as it’s moved from College Avenue to the RAC now. It is the largest, student-run philanthropic event in New Jersey.
The Rutgers University Alumni Association is proud to support the 20th year of Dance Marathon. #RutgersAlumni #RUDM2018 #ScarletForever pic.twitter.com/w1kwqbhldL
— RU Dance Marathon (@RUDanceMarathon) April 6, 2018
Even though the current Dance Marathon at Rutgers celebrated it’s 20th anniversary, some of the founders of the original event back in the early 70’s were invited to speak this year, which was a great idea.
.@RUDanceMarathon We are so honored to have the founders of Rutgers Dance Marathon class of 1972 return to the Banks to encourage the dancers. Blown away by the love in the RAC For The Kids! Proud of our students ❤️ ❣️#RUDM2018 pic.twitter.com/ivIsGCEI3q
— Felicia McGinty (@FeliciaMcGinty) April 6, 2018
A fun part of this event is the participation of the Rutgers Athletic Department, as various teams participate in a dance competition.
Amazing. Just flat out amazing.@RutgersU Students, take a bow.
— Rutgers Scarlet Knights (@RUAthletics) April 8, 2018
As always, proud to say #GoRU https://t.co/wleglNGpdb
The football team took home the first place trophy on Friday night and here is their winning routine.
ICYMI @Rfootball killing the dance floor at Dance Marathon!#FTK #ServiceKnights ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/OZC4XdPOme
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) April 9, 2018
After 5 long years of participating in Athletic Dance Off @RFootball finally takes home the 1st place trophy! Congrats boys :) pic.twitter.com/FogqoVbHBl
— RU Dance Marathon (@RUDanceMarathon) April 7, 2018
#ServiceKnights out supporting the Dance Marathon for the youth in our community! #RFootball ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/53mZQvGgyU
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) April 7, 2018
Here is some footage of other teams within Rutgers athletics that participated.
Swimming & Diving
We didn't defend our title, but we had a blast taking the stage at the @RUDanceMarathon #FTK @EmbraceKids pic.twitter.com/qUnSk4xEFq
— RU Swimming & Diving (@RUSwimDive) April 7, 2018
Volleyball
Put on the dancing shoes #FTK last night. We could do this forever @RUDanceMarathon @EmbraceKids pic.twitter.com/MRUexYuSrd
— Rutgers Volleyball (@RUvball) April 7, 2018
Men’s Basketball
+ =
— Rutgers Basketball (@RutgersMBB) April 7, 2018
Dancing the night away at @RUDanceMarathon for @EmbraceKids.
How did we do?#RUDM2018 l #KnightAndDay pic.twitter.com/iFStsA4uhv
It’s great to see so many Rutgers athletes taking part in this and contributing to this fantastic event. If anymore footage of other teams who participated becomes available, I’ll add to this post.
Congratulations to all the Rutgers students and organizers that put together such a great event and continue to make the community around the university a fantastic place to be a part of.
My first @RUDanceMarathon. Great to see @RutgersNB students, @rutgersalumni incl some of the organizers of the first DM in 1971. Kids and parents @EmbraceKids. All dancing for a higher purpose. #RUDM2018, #FTK Another great event supported by @RUgetinvolved pic.twitter.com/GpLaqrSdh2
— Chancellor Dutta (@duttaRutgers) April 8, 2018