Former Valpo, Current IU Student Seeking to Raise Funds for Riley’s Children’s Foundation with IUDM

conner-sunday-iudm3 years. It’s been three years and 3 marathons since starting my journey with dance marathon. In total, I’ve had 108 hours of marathon time, thousands of new friends and about $8 million that I have helped raise For The Kids. Who knew as a freshman, from Valaparaiso, Indiana, I would be where I am today.

As an organization, Indiana University Dance Marathon is in it’s 25th year and in that time has successfully raised over $20 million dollars for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, IN. After raising $3.2 million last year, we were able to complete our third and final endowment for the Ryan White Center for Infectious Disease. Upon completion of this year, we will be starting a new endeavor to fund the Wells Center for Pediatric Research.

With my fourth and final marathon approaching, I have had the privilege of being this year’s Vice President of Communications. Looking back on the past 3 years, I can’t think of IU without thinking about all the great friendships and memories I have been able to make through IUDM. I can whole-heartedly say without a doubt that IUDM has been the single drive throughout college that has taught me more about myself and the world around me, and many life skills that you simply cannot learn in a classroom.

And then I thought about why I’m here today. If it weren’t for the lessons I learned at an early age, I would not be as passionate for this organization nor would I be as good at my job. Teachers and staff, like the dedicated nurses at Riley, are often so under appreciated for the work they do. If it were for you, children all over the world wouldn’t have a chance to live a successfully life.

I know now for a fact that I was meant to come to IU and make a difference in these children’s lives. I am so thankful to everyone who has helped me along my way with IUDM. Being the 25th anniversary of Indiana university Dance Marathon, we hope to take the legacies of Ryan White, Ashley Lousie Crouse, the kids and all the IUDMers who have come before us and continue to bring them to life. My goal for this year is to raise $10,000 and I think I can do it, but not without your help!

We all have the chance of a lifetime, to give a lifetime of chance, so will you help me?

If you would like to join me in the fight to help Riley Hospital for Children be the best it can be, please help me by donating! Any amount, no matter large or small, makes a difference, and all donations are tax deductible! Additionally, if a group makes a combined donation of $1,924 or more, there will be a red wagon placed at the hospital to be used by patients on a daily basis with you group/company/ school’s name on it!

Online: Visit my personal page at: www.iudm.org/csunday  
By Mail: Conner Sunday 403 N. Indiana Ave Bloomington, IN 47408

**Checks can be made out to Riley Children’s Foundation**