Penn Dance Marathon for Riley Hospital for Children raises more than $25,000

As the vibrant sounds of “Thriller” bounced around the Penn High School Cafeteria, about 50 Kingsmen students sprang onto floor and danced to the uber-catchy classic.

Beach balls and hula hoops punctuated the festive scene.

In one corner of the Penn Cafeteria, a young child’s cheek was being painted neon green and blue. A few feet away, a bounce house was rocking. On the other side of the cafeteria, children who have benefitted from the Riley Hospital for Children were lined up to get balloon animals.

Penn’s For-The-Kids Dance Marathon celebrated the wonders of the Riley Hospital for Children, and showcased the amazing efforts of Penn students.

Kicking off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2018, the highlight came with the big reveal at 6 p.m., that Penn’s students spearheaded a drive that raised $25,090.16 for the Riley Hospital for Children!

Top student fundraisers for the event were Olivia Coughlin, Cassandra McCoige, Maggie Sullivan, Sheila Patel, Rachel Wobbe, Ashley McCoige and Matthew Pruitt.

Penn teachers Michele Ball and Kate O’Brien sponsored the event.

“Being a part of the Dance Marathon has been an incredible experience, and it is very exciting that we were able to raise over $25,000 in our first year,” Penn Junior Matthew Pruitt said. “At our event, we had several families who visited the Riley Children's Hospital share their experiences, and that was when I realized that we will be impacting so many lives as a result of our hard work and dedication.

“I am very proud to be part of this club and all that it has accomplished so far, and I am excited to continue raising money for the Riley Children's Hospital in the coming years,” Pruitt said.

Ball said that the event was far more than one morning and afternoon of activities.

“We have been raising funds in earnest from the end of January,” Ball said. “We held Parents' Night Out events at Bittersweet and Horizon.  We entertained the students while the parents enjoyed a little time on their own.  We had two restaurant fundraisers, at Hacienda and Chipotle.”

Corporate sponsors included Paige's Custom Lettering, Gibson Insurance, Korhorn Financial Group, Bruno's in Granger, Jimmy John's, Lippert Components, and Martin's Supermarkets.