This picture is from the reveal of how much total money was raised during the Buckeyethon from autumn of 2014 to spring of 2015 (we raised 1.25 million for the children at the Nationwide Hospital’s Cancer Research Center in Columbus). The picture is from the closing event of Buckeyethon. Every year Buckeyethon closes with a 24-hour dance marathon. Here we dance, have live performances, games, tournaments, all while a few of the children we raise money for come and dance with us. The children are given royal treatment and come in on a long red carpet to thousands of Buckeyethon members cheering for them.
My first year with Buckeyethon was as a general member in the 2014-2015 fundraising year. I was so moved by the experience I decided to become a Team Captain of Fundraising for the International Affairs Scholars Program. I help coordinate fundraising efforts for my entire scholars program.
These experiences with Buckeyethon taught me the power a strong cause can have. The efforts to raise money for children fighting cancer has attracted over 5,000 students from OSU, making Buckeyethon the largest student run philanthropic organization in Ohio. I understand, more so than ever, how powerful teamwork can be. I hope to use these skills to help mobilize people around other causes throughout the rest of my college and professional experiences.