The second annual Riley Week was held from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3 in support of the Riley’s Children Foundation. The week of events, including pumpkin carving and painting, Halloween canning, a Panera Bread fundraiser, a mini marathon L/P event to teach students about DM and a fundraising challenge, was hosted by the University of Indianapolis’ Dance Marathon.
UIndy DM hosted pumpkin carving and painting for students on Oct. 30. Students could purchase a small pumpkin to carve or paint for $1 or a large pumpkin for $3.
“My favorite part about carving pumpkins for them [UIndy DM] was the fact that I was able to help out with a great cause,” freshman psychology major Belle Phothirath said, “Even if it was just a small amount, it still means something.”
UIndy DM and other students met at the bell tower for the Halloween can drive on Oct. 31, going door-to-door to ask for donations. The group raised a total of $736.46 from the event.
The Panera Bread at 5335 East Southport Road partnered with UIndy DM to donate a portion of their sales on Nov. 1. to DM for Riley Week. Thursday Nov. 2, DM hosted an L/P event from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Trustees Dining Hall. Sophomore nursing major and UIndy DM Director of Fundraising Danielle Sparling said the event was organized to help educate students about what UIndy DM does.
The last day of Riley Week consisted of a fundraising challenge between DM members. Members were encouraged to share their personal fundraising page on various social media platforms in order to raise money. Because Riley Hospital gives care to 300,000 children, Sparling said that DM challenged members to raise $30 each.
“Riley week is all about raising awareness and getting people on campus involved,” Sparling said. “I think Riley week serves us as a reminder to why we DM [participate in dance marathon] and why we’re doing what we do. We host events during Riley Week to celebrate the miracles made possible by Riley Hospital and share that with the UIndy community. I’m sure we can almost all name someone that’s received care from Riley, and that’s what makes UIndy DM so heartwarming for me. It connects us all….As a nursing major that hopes to work in the NICU [Neonatal Intensive Care Unit] at Riley someday, I’m so thankful to be part of UIndy DM and be involved with Riley Hospital as a college student.”
UIndy’s DM will be hosted on February 10, 2018 from 2p.m. to 8p.m. in the Ruth Lilly Fitness Center.