HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – West Ottawa students raised money for Helen Devos Children’s Hospital in their fourth annual West Ottawa Dance Marathon.
The marathon took place Friday, March 4, with a record breaking number of students and money raised. 241 students danced and a record $23,591.19 was raised in what is the largest high school Dance Marathon in the state.
Twenty-three West Ottawa students visited and toured Helen Devos Hospital in early February to see firsthand where their contributions would go, and it inspired them to continue to work toward their fundraising goals according to the dance committee.
The marathon works with Hope College, and will be performing their unique student-choreographed dance on stage this Friday March 11, during HOPE’s Dance Marathon.
The Dance Marathon is a nationwide movement involving more than 150 colleges and high schools, all raising money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. It began in 1991 at Indiana University in memory of Ryan White, who contracted the HIV/AIDS virus through a routine blood transfusion. White passed away in 1990, and the following year, friends began the first dance marathon at Indiana University.
