Welcome to Soonerthon 101! CAC Soonerthon uses a lot of terms that might be unfamiliar to you, so we decided to break it all down and provide you with information about us and who we benefit! Most of the lingo contains a link (everything highlighted in blue) to a site that will provide you with more information if you wish to learn more!
Soonerthon: Soonerthon is the official philanthropy event of the Campus Activities Council (CAC) and the largest student lead philantrophy at the University of Oklahoma! Soonerthon benefits Oklahoma's children by raising money for the Oklahoma Children's Hospital Foundation (CHF) and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN). We have developed into a Top 15 Dance Marathon in the entire county, the #1 Dance Marathon in the Big Xll, and the #1 donor to the Children's Hospital Foundation in Oklahoma City. Last year, we raised $808,021.17 For The Kids.
What is a Dance Marathon???
Miracle Network Dance Marathon is a movement uniting college, university, and high school students across North America. Students involved in a campus dance marathon organization spend a year gaining leadership, teamwork, and nonprofit business experience while raising funds and awareness for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. The year culminates with an 8-40 hour event (the dance marathon) on each campus where students get to meet patient families treated at their local hospital, participate in games and dancing, enjoy entertainment, and reveal their annual fundraising total.
FOR THE KIDS
Everything we do it as For The Kids or "FTK" for short. The student body of the University of Oklahoma has decided to come together for one reason, and that is to support the kids. We are here to provide an atmosphere that is fun and safe for them, a time in their hospital driven years where they can lose control and laugh free of worry.
Children's Hospital Foundation (CHF)
Soonerthon raises money for the Oklahoma CHF. Through endowments and direct support, CHF is able to recruit and retain nationally and internationally recognized pediatric physician-scientists to direct research, treat patients, and train medical students at the Oklahoma City Children's Hospital to ensure every child receives the best care, regardless of ability to pay.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN)
More than 10 million kids enter a children’s hospital like Children's Hospital Foundation across North America every year. To provide the best care for kids, children’s hospitals rely on donations and community support, as Medicaid and insurance programs do not fully cover the cost of care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has helped fill those funding gaps by raising more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through Miracle Balloon icon campaigns. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.
Miracle Families
Throughout the year Soonerthon works with Miracle Kids. Miracle kids are real-life superheroes who brave the toughest battles at The Children’s Hospital. They use their superpowers as an ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Any child who is currently being or has been treated for pediatric illnesses at any nationwide Children’s Hospital qualifies as a Miracle Kid. We are lucky enough to be able to get to know and build relationships with these families that participate in the Miracle Child program. These children will come with their families and will be present at Soonerthon events, campus events and many others!
Why is Soonerthon 12 hours???
Students at Soonerthon make a pledge to stand a full 12 hours on their feet in support of the kids who can’t. Many Miracle Children will spend 12 hours a week in dialysis or chemotherapy, as well as a majority of nurses and doctors will stand on their feet for 12 hours during a shift. 12 hours also represents the 12 months out of the year that students fundraise for Soonerthon.
Miracle Maker
If you raise $1,000 by the end of March 3rd - the day of the event - than you are a Miracle Maker and will receive a nice dry-fit t-shirt and be recognized on stage!