Dance Marathon Set for November 21 Boosts Blair Batson Children’s Hospital

Mississippi College's third annual dance marathon on November 15 raised more than $42,222 to benefit the Blair Batson Children's Hospital in Jackson.

Hundreds of Mississippi College students will wear their dancing shoes once again to benefit the Blair Batson Children’s Hospital.

Last year’s MC Dance Marathon raised nearly $43,000 for the facility at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. When the event returns to the Clinton campus on November 21, students are likely to exceed that amount. The six-hour event in Anderson Hall begins at 6 p.m. that Thursday.

Fund raising activities began over the summer.

This Fall, MC student leaders are stepping up efforts to assist children and their families at the Jackson hospital. Batson Children’s Hospital treats more than 150,000 children each year in more than 30 specialty areas, including newborn medicine.

It’s a wonderful cause. Leaders with Mississippi College launched the event in 2016. It’s grown bigger and better each year.

“The expectations for this year have been set extremely high, but this group of students is going to do amazing things,” with the Dance Marathon, says administrator Jonathan Ambrose. He serves as the associate vice president of the student experience and dean of students.

The 2019 Dance Marathon at Anderson Hall will be led by student directors Shem McConnell and Emery Applegate.

Ambrose believes students will accomplish more than just raising money for the Batson Children’s Hospital. They will also play essential roles by “bringing the community together in support and awareness.”

The Jackson medical facility serves thousands of children experiencing pediatric illnesses and injuries. The hospital staff offers everything from emergency care to specialized heart and cancer services for these young patients. The children come to the Jackson hospital from communities statewide.

MC senior Abigail Cole enjoyed taking part in the 2018 Dance Marathon. Tickets to the dance cost $15 a year ago. Students participated in numerous activities to raise cash to benefit sick kids at Blair Batson Children’s Hospital.

“I loved going to the Dance Marathon last year and seeing all the hard work come to fruition,” said Cole, a public relations major from St. Hedwig, Texas. “It was so rewarding to see the kids light up as we clapped for them and listened to their stories.”

At last year’s marathon, MC students showed off Blue & Gold hospitality at its very best for young patients. “We got to love them for a night, and that was so special,” Cole said. She hopes to find time to return for this Fall’s edition.

MC raised $23,312 from the 2017 marathon and nearly doubled that total a year ago.

Officials at the University of Mississippi Medical Center salute the students for their support of a variety of activities to enhance Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

For additional details contact Emery Applegate at eapplegate@mc.edu or Shem McConnell at sjmcconnell@mc.edu More information, including photos and videos, are available on the MC Dance Marathon page on Facebook.