The ninth annual Plymouth High School Dance Marathon (PHSDM) is scheduled for next Friday, January 31. The event will kick off during the school day starting at 12:30 p.m. Dozens of students will miss periods six through eight to be part of the annual event that will benefit Riley Hospital for Children. PHS students will be joining together for a multi-hour marathon involving dancing, eating, participating in games and activities, and most importantly, listening to Riley kids share their inspiring stories of hope. This is all done without sitting down for the full length of the dance marathon.
Hannah Jacobs and her sister Amy founded PHSDM in 2007 to give back to Riley Hospital for everything they have done for Hannah, who has spina bifida. The first year of the PHSDM, a little over $11,000 was raised. Over the past eight years, Plymouth and the surrounding communities have generously donated $231,146.09. This year Plymouth High School students hope to raise $40,000 more for the children who call the Riley Hospital for Children home.
As a mini-marathon under Ball State University, the money Plymouth High School raises will help fund the Magic Castle Cart, a part of their Smile Therapy Program at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis as well as their Palliative Care Center.
The success of the PHSDM depends heavily on the generous help of family, friends, and the community. Plymouth High School invites the community to join in and donate; any donation, large or small, will contribute to the cause and help make life a little easier for children and parents who spend time at the hospital.
PHSDM is unique in that the fundraising total is always determined and unveiled in a public setting, this year at the Friday night Plymouth High School basketball game against Northridge. The JV game starts at 6:15 p.m., and the varsity game will follow. Fans who attend the game can donate, the contributions will be added to the total of this year’s fundraising efforts.
During the varsity halftime show, all PHS dancers perform a choreographed line dance they learn at the marathon earlier in the day. Immediately following the dance, the fundraising total for this year will be announced. Students will hold up large signs displaying the fundraising dollar amount.
To donate, anyone can visit the following site donate.rileykids.org/PHSDM20.
