Dance Marathon honored for philanthropic efforts

The efforts of hundreds of Bowling Green students to help those less fortunate were among those recognized locally in observance of National Philanthropy Day (Nov. 18).

BGSU's Dance Marathon received an Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Northwest Ohio Chapter in partnership with Leave a Legacy Northwest Ohio at their 16th annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon, held at the SeaGate Convention Centre in Toledo.

Also receiving philanthropist awards were the Harold and Helen McMaster Foundation, Dana Corp., and Robert Sterling, who received the 2004 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award. A number of other volunteers were recognized as well, including former BGSU Trustee Kermit Stroh of Wapakoneta, who was honored for his efforts on behalf of the University.

Since the first Dance Marathon was held in 1995, BGSU students have donated more than $1.3 million to help provide programs and services supported by Children's Miracle Network at Mercy Children's Hospital in Toledo. In 2003, their $241,000 gift represented nearly 32 percent of all the funds raised for Children's Miracle Network in northwest Ohio, according to the award nomination submitted by the Mercy Children's Hospital Foundation.

Funds raised by the University students provide research, treatment, equipment and education for northwest Ohio youngsters who suffer from serious disease, birth defects, severe trauma or terminal illnesses.

A steering committee of 18 undergraduate students coordinates the event, with each member responsible for a committee working on a specific aspect of the program.

More than 70 BGSU student organizations now take part, and the event has grown to incorporate a series of fund-raising activities throughout the fall and winter that culminate in the Dance Marathon weekend at the Student Recreation Center. In 2004, a formal dinner was added to reach out to the community and area high schools were invited to have their students involved in the event as dancers at the 32-hour marathon.

Bowling Green students are now at work raising money and awareness for youngsters treated at children's hospitals as they prepare for Dance Marathon 2005, which will be held March 19-20 on campus.

AFP is a professional association of individuals responsible for generating philanthropic support for a wide variety of non-profit, charitable organizations. Founded in 1960 and formerly known as the National Society of Fund Raising Executives, the organization advances philanthropy through more than 26,000 members in 169 chapters throughout North America.

Leave a Legacy Northwest Ohio promotes community-wide change through estate planning and is a program of the Toledo Area Planned Giving Council.