Dance Marathon to reveal results of MC students’ yearlong efforts to benefit Children’s of Mississippi

MC students enjoy learning new dance routines while raising money to support Children's of Mississippi during the 2024 MC Dance Marathon.

Mississippi College students have a heart for serving others. Their compassion shows through their support of the Community Service Center on campus, their participation in campus ministry and outside missions, and their engagement in various community-building initiatives.

Their widest-ranging philanthropic effort – MC Dance Marathon – benefits vulnerable citizens of the state: sick and injured children.

Throughout the academic year, members of men’s service clubs, women’s social tribes and other student organizations on the Clinton campus host a variety of fundraising activities to support the philanthropic initiative of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, including Children’s of Mississippi in Jackson. Proceeds from these events help the hospital create a comfortable environment for pediatric patients and their families at the state’s only children’s hospital.

The students’ efforts culminate in a night of fundraising for Children’s of Mississippi during MC Dance Marathon, a “come-and-go” event scheduled from 6 p.m. to midnight on Thursday, April 10, in Anderson Hall in the B.C. Rogers Student Center. Sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement, the fun-filled event of continuous dancing carries a Disney-style theme, “Where Their Dreams Come True,” and will include visits from Children’s Hospital patients and a “tote board” reveal of the total amount collected from MC students’ yearlong fundraising activities.

According to Jonathan Ambrose, MC vice president for student experience and dean of students, MC Dance Marathon has raised more than $600,000 since its inception at Mississippi College in 2016.

“Almost all of our students have some form of personal connection to Children’s of Mississippi and they are passionate about it,” said Ambrose, who serves as an advisor for Dance Marathon at MC. “They see the tangible things that Dance Marathon has helped the hospital obtain, such as suites of furniture inside the pediatric ICU and attractive wraps that make MRI machines look like castles rather than imposing medical devices.

“Even if they’re not from Mississippi, our students have a personal connection to a children’s hospital within their own state. They authentically want to serve as the hands and feet of Christ and connect with the University’s mission, and this engagement with Children’s of Mississippi helps them accomplish that.”

Participation in Dance Marathon is woven within the fabric of MC’s campus culture. Ambrose designed a Freshman Leadership Initiative Program (FLIP), a servant leadership class for incoming students, that develops their skills and contributes to events like Dance Marathon throughout their collegiate careers.

Haleigh Roberts and Darcy Jones took the FLIP class and witnessed the impact MC students can have on Children’s of Mississippi patients. Their involvement continued long after the class ended: Roberts, now a graduating senior, serves as director of marketing and communications for MC Dance Marathon, while Jones, a junior psychology major, is a Dance Marathon event director.

For Roberts, a marketing major from Vicksburg, supporting Dance Marathon is personal. Her cousin, Caleb, was born with Hurler’s Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, which limited his motor function and growth. He received care for his condition at St. Jude Hospital in Memphis.

“He was not expected to live past 9,” Roberts said, “but now he is 23. I did small fundraisers for him as a kid, selling crafts I made or taking donations instead of birthday presents because I was so thankful for the care from St. Jude and wanted to help in any way I could.

“Living in Clinton for the past four years and being exposed to Children’s of Mississippi, I have developed the same love here for the kids and friends I have met. Being a part of Dance Marathon allows me to do what I did as a kid on a greater level and give back to those who need it the most.”

Jones said Dance Marathon has become popular because it unites many different student groups for a singular cause.

“It gives students unique opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children,” the Shawnee, Oklahoma resident said. “What keeps me involved is the fact that I am not receiving any personal gain from giving my time and money to this cause.

“I sometimes get caught up in organizations and groups that foster community within our campus. While this is great, Dance Marathon has given me a way to give back to those outside of our campus who are in need.”

Ambrose said these students’ experiences “tell me we’re doing something right” with MC Dance Marathon.

“It’s something that allows us to take that aspect of Christianity that’s connected to our mission and show it outwardly to people by doing something that is greater than ourselves,” he said. “The impact that has on a young person can be so influential in their college-age years.

“I hope this will resonate with them for the rest of their lives.”

For more information or to donate to Dance Marathon, click here.