What is DM at SDSU?

DM at SDSU stands for Dance Marathon at San Diego State University. It is a 15-hour dance marathon that takes place annually in the spring on San Diego State’s campus to raise money and awareness for the patients and families at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. To date, DM at SDSU has raised almost $1.2 million for the kids. DM at SDSU is the largest student philanthropy effort on San Diego State’s campus, and is the highest-fundraising CMN dance marathon program on the West Coast. Our program grows every year, and we are excited for you to join us!



What does “FTK” mean?

“FTK” is an acronym that stands for “For the Kids”.



When is Dance Marathon?

Stay tuned for details regarding DM at SDSU 2022!



Where is the Dance Marathon event?

DM at SDSU is held annually in San Diego State’s Montezuma Hall, located on the second floor of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union.



How long is Dance Marathon?

DM at SDSU is 15 hours long.



Is it true that all I am allowed to do for the whole marathon is dance?

During the night of the event, you are hardly limited when it comes to what you’re able to do. Yes, there is a fair amount of dancing, however, there’s also entertainment acts, visits from Rady families, celebrity guests and various other activities throughout the night. There’s never a dull moment, and if you’re afraid that you’re not the best dancer, don’t be. There are dancers of all skill levels and by no means, is it all about dancing. Remember, even bad dancing saves lives!



How much money do I need to fundraise in order to participate?

In order to participate and dance in the big event in February, you must fundraise a minimum of $123. This may seem like a daunting prospect, but fundraising is often easier than you think, especially when it’s for a great cause! Check out our fundraising page for tips on how to get started.



How do I raise money?

Fundraising may turn out to be easier than you think. Many of our participants have had immense success creating Facebook and Instagram fundraisers, as well as emailing their families, friends and coworkers asking for donations. We also recommend utilizing any talents or hobbies that you have, for example, drawing a picture or playing a song for someone in exchange for a donation. The DM at SDSU team also offers a multitude of opportunities to fundraise at various athletic and other events throughout the year. If you’re not sure what to say or are looking for more ideas, check out our fundraising page for more info!



What is Rady Children’s Hospital?

Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego is a 505-bed pediatric care facility providing the largest source of comprehensive pediatric medical services in San Diego, Southern Riverside and Imperial counties. Rady Children's is the only hospital in the San Diego area dedicated exclusively to pediatric healthcare and is the region's only designated pediatric trauma center. In June 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked Rady Children's among the best children's hospitals in the nation in all ten pediatric specialties the magazine surveyed. Rady Children's is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations to support its mission. For more information, visit www.rchsd.org



Where does my money go?

100% of donations to DM at SDSU benefit Rady Children’s Hospital, and they can do so in a variety of ways. Funds go directly to furthering the hospital’s mission through funding charitable care to families unable to afford treatment, advancement services, education, equipment, research and patient services. No matter where it goes, every penny of every donation directly makes a difference in a sick or injured child’s life during their hospital stay. For more information on monetary allocation, visit https://rchsd.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org.



Can anyone get involved or do you have to be part of Fraternity & Sorority Life/other student org? Will I get less out of it if I’m not part of a big organization?

Anyone and everyone is welcome! Our goal is to have as many participants as possible, and if you aren’t involved in any organizations on campus we could be your first! Many of our participants aren’t members of Fraternity/Sorority Life or large student organizations, and you’re more than welcome to create a team with a couple of friends or fundraise as an individual. Participating in DM at SDSU gives you the chance to meet so many other amazing FTK people and make new friends.



What leadership opportunities are there in DM at SDSU?

After each event, applications to join the DM at SDSU Leadership Team open to the public. Throughout the year, these team members selflessly dedicate their time and efforts to making DM at SDSU as successful and impactful as possible. Those wanting to get more involved with DM at SDSU but may not be able to commit the time to being a part of the leadership team should consider joining our Impact Program, becoming a team captain or both!



What is Miracle Week?

Miracle Week is our annual fall fundraising and awareness campaign to recruit new participants, educate our community and generate donations all within one week. Each day of Miracle Week is themed, and last year we were able to recruit over 1,000 participants and raise over $40,000. For more information on Miracle Week, check out this page.



What is the Impact Program?

The Impact Program is a dedicated group of advocates for the kids that have the opportunity to be more intimately involved with DM at SDSU than the average participant. This special group goes on tours of Rady Children’s Hospital, supports the Leadership Team when needed, participates in its own meetings and activities, and much more! For more information on the DM at SDSU Impact Program check out this page.



What are Mini Marathons?

Dance Marathon isn’t just for colleges - high schools can also partner with DM at SDSU to support kids and families at Rady Children’s Hospital. Mini marathons are shortened dance marathons hosted by local schools to raise money and awareness for Rady Children’s. They provide students an opportunity to expand their leadership skills, increase school philanthropy and give back to their communities. DM at SDSU is proud to partner with Lancerthon at Carlsbad High School - the only mini dance marathon in the area so far. We are always looking to help new schools start their own mini dance marathon. For more information on Lancerthon or how to bring a dance marathon to your school, check out our page on mini marathons for more info.



Where can I buy official DM at SDSU apparel?

DM at SDSU and other merchandise is available at our merchandise booth during the big event in February as well as at smaller events throughout the year, such as Miracle Week and our annual Aztec Night.



How many people participate in DM at SDSU?

Last year, DM at SDSU had over 1,600 registered participants, 60 fundraising teams and 51 Leadership Team members. However, our reach doesn’t end there. Our movement also encompasses many thousands of donors, hundreds of community members and dozens of dedicated Rady families.



What is Children’s Miracle Network?

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity’s Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.



frequently asked questions