Mississippi College announced on Apr. 9 that its annual MC Dance Marathon will take place from 6 p.m. to midnight on Thursday, April 16, in the A.E. Wood Coliseum on the Clinton campus. The event is organized by student clubs and organizations throughout the academic year to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, including Children’s of Mississippi in Jackson.
The MC Dance Marathon serves as a major philanthropic effort that culminates in a night of continuous dancing and fundraising activities. The event includes visits from patients at Children’s Hospital and features a “tote board” reveal showing the total amount raised during the year by Mississippi College students. All proceeds are directed toward creating a more comfortable environment for pediatric patients and their families at Mississippi’s only children’s hospital.
Since its start in 2016, MC Dance Marathon has collected over half a million dollars for children across the state. Jonathan Ambrose, vice president for student experience and dean of students at Mississippi College, said supporting Children’s of Mississippi through this event is an important way for students to serve others. “As the state’s only Children’s Hospital, they provide essential care for families in our own backyard, and it is a privilege for our students to support them in a fun but meaningful way,” Ambrose said. “Beyond the fundraising, this event fosters selfless leadership and perspective in our students. I am most looking forward to seeing the campus come together with the ‘Miracle Families’ to celebrate the tangible impact our collective efforts have on these children’s lives.”
Ambrose also created a Freshman Leadership Initiative Program (FLIP) designed to help develop leadership skills among new students at MC, leading servant leaders like Molly Hae Haindel and Rhyser Guynes to continue contributing throughout their college years.
Haindel joined as director of fundraising after serving on the committee since her freshman year. She said her involvement has been transformative: “I learned what it means to be a part of something bigger than myself,” Haindel said. “What appeals to me most about this philanthropic organization is the dedication and heart for others that goes into it. No matter the dollar amount raised, we make a real impact on Children’s of Mississippi.
“To witness the smiles on patients’ faces – as well as their families’ – makes all the late-night coin counting sessions, early morning meetings and event-day planning sessions worthwhile.”
Guynes serves as communications director for MC Dance Marathon and has personal ties to Children’s Hospital care: “Giving back to a cause that means so much to people I hold so dear is a no-brainer,” Guynes said. “People love to dance and have a good time with their friends, and people seek to imitate Christ. They have an opportunity to do both at Dance Marathon.
“Families will be there with their children who have been cared for and loved by hospital staff. It’s crucial to remember that everything we are doing…is about them…the children are the heart and soul of what we do.”
Organizers encourage those interested in supporting or learning more about MC Dance Marathon or making donations online.
