FCDM finale incorporates excitement, emotion
Tag Archives: Riley Children’s Hospital
Dance Marathon raises $64,596.95
By Alaina King, Hannah Cheatham, Brad Hunt, and Zoe Doebbler
After all the dancing, eating, stories, and games, Dance Marathon came to an end Saturday night.
“This has just been the product of all of our hard work that we’ve worked on for almost a year now and it is just so nice to see it all come to life,” said junior Emily Naville.
Although the process of putting together Dance Marathon was overwhelming, the night proved to be successful.
“This night means so much to me because it is the result of all this drama, stress, exhaustion, and hard work. Everything that has been so overwhelming for months now and seeing it all come together and seeing everyone enjoying themselves is really inspiring,” said senior Sarah Henry.
The night proved to be eventful, even to those attending for the first time.
“Dance Marathon has been amazing and great. It was really nice having the Riley kids talk and share their stories because it was really inspirational,” said freshman Lucas Willman. “My favorite part was the rave; I really enjoyed that.”
Many families from Riley visited Dance Marathon to share their stories.
“Hearing all the kids’ stories has really made me realize why I do this. They have been such amazing people to have gone through this and still stayed positive and came to share their stories and I have been so inspired. My favorite part this year has been meeting the Riley families because since I’m on the Riley Relations Committee I have been talking to them for months now, but tonight was the first time I have met them in person,” said Naville.
One of the Dance Marathon coordinators, English teacher Matthew Townsend, said he hopes Dance Marathon teaches selflessness.
“Dance Marathon means doing something larger and not focusing on ourselves. This is all for the kids and that means doing all we can do so we can provide someone at Riley some kind of hope or inspiration that they didn’t have yesterday,” said Townsend. “All that matters is that Riley has money that they didn’t have before.”
Students involved with Dance Marathon encourage others to experience the event in future years.
“If you have thinking about going next year, then definitely come,” said Naville. “You can’t even comprehend what Dance Marathon is unless you witness it.”
Career information teacher’s witchcraft and wizardry helps out fellow Riley’s kids
by Amber Habron and Garland Noel
“I don’t know how they do that, but I love it!”
Career information teacher Dilbert Hillegas is a lot of things. He is Santa Claus, a magician, and a Riley’s kid.
Using the stage name “Delbert the Wizard,” Hillegas performed a 20-minute long magic show in the main gym benefitting Riley’s Children’s Hospital.
“I’ve been on stage, and I’ve done motion pictures, and I’ve done all those things, so it’s no big deal in that regard, but it was a little intimidating to me because of having you in class,” said Hillegas. “You want to do well for that. I hope I did a good job.”
Starting with card tricks, Hillegas progressed to balloon animals, magic hats, rope tricks, and the all-important rabbit trick. He even used a “nuclear-powered” coloring book, but he couldn’t do it alone.
“I was really glad he picked me,” said student volunteer junior Jordyn
Boling.
While the duo began by making a hat out of paper, Hillegas became Boling’s assistant for the rope trick, which involved cutting an ever-growing rope and removing a knot without untying it. Hillegas even let her keep the hat.
“I’m so happy I’m just trying not to cry,” said Boling.
Not done yet, Hillegas took off the wizard’s robe to share his story as a Riley’s kid after the morale committee taught the third part of the morale dance.
“Had it not been for that [a doctor at Riley’s], I wouldn’t be standing here, to this day, singing the praises of Riley’s hospital who saved my life,” said Hillegas. “I thank them every day.”
Next year, Hillegas would like to see a corporation support the event so that all of the money goes to Riley’s.
“In the end, 100 percent of our money goes to the kids, and that’s what’s supposed to happen.”
For people who did not attend FCDM this year, Hillegas only had this advice.
“Look at what you missed. Take a look at that video, and look at what you missed.”
Parent involvement signals success for FCDM
By Brad Hunt
Walking through the crowded gymnasiums at the Dance Marathon, most of the participants consist of high school students and teachers at FC. Another group representing the event are the parents of students volunteering throughout the night.
“I haven’t attended before but my kids were quite moved by last year’s marathon. My son, Justin, was more of an actively involved committee member this year so I volunteered for the event as well,” said Carl Applebaum.
Kevin Becht said it was his son Josh’s involvement that finally convinced him to join in the event.
“I’ve been thinking about being going a couple years now but it was Josh’s involvement that pushed me over the edge,” said Becht.
Parents said that students maintain an impressive level of commitment to FCDM.
“It’s great all these kids are volunteering to be a part of this. It’s a Saturday afternoon and they could be doing anything else. Instead they’re here standing for the kids,” said Jeff Barnes.
John Vellinger said he was impressed by students’ ability to organize and promote the event.
“The leadership group seemed like they did a really good job trying to promote it. I know the students worked hard to fundraise and set up the event.”
According to Wendy Ivey, despite all that has been accomplished with this year’s fundraiser, students will immediately begin preparations for next year.
“I didn’t understand the enormity that goes into the event during the school year and knowing that next week they’ll start planning for the following year,” said Ivey.
Applebaum said that FC offers a unique opportunity for students that has not existed in the past.
“35 years ago, which is the last time I’ve been to high school, we just didn’t do things like this. As a parent it’s cool to see how many things the school organizes and how the student body participates,” said Applebaum.
Many parents agree that FCDM is a worthwhile cause for students and adults alike.
“It pays to get involved in whatever that is financially, donating time or anything that creates meaning for the event,” said Applebaum.
Vellinger said the Dance Marathon allows an opportunity for individuals to be altruistic.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to get involved and do something good for someone else.”
Various activities ensure continued fun at FCDM
