5th Annual Deep Run Marathon Dance Raises Over $160,000 for Charity

Five years ago, a group of Deep Run High School students from the class of 2007 came together to start the first annual Deep Run Marathon Dance, to benefit autism support and awareness. This past weekend, the event celebrated its fifth year by raising $160,684.89 for 12 Richmond area charities. The 27 hour continuous dance, […]

March 21, 2011; 1:34 AM • by Downtown Short Pump Staff

The 27 hour continuous dance, which features costume parties, a toga rave and air band competitions, has raised over half a million dollars for charity since it began.

To participate in the dance, each student was required to collect $100 in pledge money. This year, the top ten student fundraisers each raised $940 or more.

“The students really understand the importance of making a difference for people in their own community,” said Kathleen Kern, Marathon Dance co-director and health and physical education teacher. “They always have the goal to outdo what they did the year before.”

Funds raised will be divided equally among the 12 charities, which include Shady Grove Family YMCA, Positive Vibe Foundation, Coordinators 2 Inc, Fan Free Clinic, ReeseStrong Foundation Inc., William Byrd Community House, Camp Kesem, Jack and Abby Neonatal Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Wings of Hope Ranch, Gerry Bertier Foundation and Children Incorporated.

We live streamed the entire 27 hours of the dance on our site, and our editor, Trevor Dickerson, put together the video below for the closing ceremony of the event, which was open to the public.

Click here to view the embedded video.