Over 300,000 children are seen by Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis each year. However, not all who go there can afford it–making charitable donations for their pediatric care all the more vital.
While there are numerous organizations from which to choose, one that is making headlines recently is Children’s Miracle Network. While so many charitable organizations saw declines in donations in recent years, CMN donations have soared. In fact, the hospital has raised over $9 billion in total since 1983–including a record-breaking $464 million in 2024 alone.
In 2026, Daybreak Games, one of CMN’s supporting partners, surpassed $1 million in early January through their Extra Life campaign, where players pay to raise funds for CMN.
“Since 1987, Children’s Miracle Network at MCH has raised more than $7 million–most of which is donated a dollar or two at a time,” states a spokesperson online at Medical Care Health Systems in Odessa, Texas. “One hundred percent of the donations received locally stay in the area to purchase medical equipment, educate staff, and promote awareness of programs that benefit children in a 19-county region.”
In Indiana, Riley’s Children’s Hospital is the only facility within the state as a designated recipient of Children’s Miracle Network funds. And, while CMN aggressively seeks donations, additional funds are being collected at the grassroots level–including right here at Elkhart High School.
In fact, the school’s Dance Marathon Club is organizing a Riley’s Dance-a-Thon, which is set for March 28 at 11 a.m. “The Riley Dance Marathon is all about raising money for kids in need,” shares Senior Evelyn McCormick, vice president for the club. “Last year,” she adds, “we raised about $9,000–and we are trying to reach the same goal!”
An ambitious undertaking such as this requires all the help one can get. In addition to their school sponsor, Mrs. Lisa McKee, the high school club is working with a local college club. “St. Mary’s College helps us with whatever we need,” shares fellow Senior Ashley Davis, who is the EHS club president. “Their representatives work with us whenever we have questions and also help us coordinate with Riley’s. They have a lot of experience,” she explains, “so we usually go to them for guidance, and they provide support as needed.”
“Last year,” Davis explains, “we had four [Riley] families involved, but only one shared their story. The family who shared was a Riley patient all her life.” Continuing, she adds, “She had a heart defect and was in and out of Riley all throughout her childhood…but she is doing well now.”
The best way for students to engage in this effort is by either coming to meetings or reaching out to a Dance Marathon Club representative: Davis, McCormick, or fellow Senior and organizer Jocie Tarver. “We organize meetings, plan events, and facilitate all things revolving around our group,” McCormick clarifies.
As an open invitation, Davis offers up crucial information: “The group meets during Impact on Wednesdays in Mrs. McKee’s room.” McCormick adds in, “Our teacher sponsor, Lisa McKee, helps us so much. We couldn’t do what we do without her!”
While organizers would love to see the size of their club increase, Davis notes that the Dance-a-Thon is intended to include as many people as possible from the community. “If someone cannot attend the meetings but wants to participate in the Dance Marathon,” she states, “they can sign up for the event when registration opens and raise funds independently.”
To do so, participants secure pledges from outsiders for every hour that they continue to dance during the event. Obviously, on the day of the event, organizers hope to witness large numbers of dancers who have locked in pledges from an even larger pool of individuals. McCormick is excited to be assisting with the planning. “We try to have fun while fundraising!” And, Davis explains further: “Attendees can expect fundraising games, music, and the presence of Riley families. It is a fun and engaging event for all participants!”
As “fun” as the event will be, at the heart of it are the children who will be served by it: “Do it for the kids” is the marathon’s motto. “Students should participate because all funds go to families that are in need of support,” urges McCormick.
Her words are not lost on Junior Barbara Diaz Suarez, who is considering attending. “My grandma has donated to St.Jude every month,” she notes. “Because of her, I would donate to children’s hospitals when I have a chance.” Concluding, she adds, “I think people should help others in need–especially kids–and I think people should donate because it helps to fund lifesaving treatments and cutting-edge research on diseases.”
Now, that’s something to dance about!
