Last year, students across campus came together in a dance to defeat cancer. They each raised money to participate in Rock the U, a 26.2-hour dance marathon aimed at uniting the campus while raising funds for cancer research at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Participants remained on their feet the entire event. They made new friends, created memories for life, raised more than $93,000 and gave new hope to people with cancer. Rock the U is in its second year, and we hope to double the results of last year.
What is Rock the U?
As mentioned above, Rock the U is a student-run, philanthropic event aimed at raising much-needed funds for cancer research at the cancer institute while uniting students at the U and connecting with the community. Our biggest event is a 26.2-hour dance marathon held March 28 at 7 p.m. through March 29 at 9:12 p.m. in the Union Ballroom.
Do I have to dance for the entire 26.2 hours?
No, but you have to remain on your feet. Except for meals, that is. We plan a variety of activities throughout the marathon, including survivorship competitions, games, human foosball, blow-up toys, fencing, concerts and more. There is something for everyone.
Whom does the money benefit?
All funds raised through Rock the U go to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. HCF’s resolve is to fund cancer research, treatment and education programs at the cancer institute and hospital. By funding efforts to better understand the beginnings of cancer and more effectively treat cancer, they are helping improve the quality of life for cancer patients, survivors and their families. (Brooke Hathaway, “Voices: Dancing for a cause,” The Daily Utah Chronicle, Oct. 15, 2007.)
How much money do I have to raise to participate in Rock the U?
Dancers are required to raise a minimum of $200 to participate. Students are not expected to pay $200 out of pocket. They are asked to fundraise the money by asking friends, family and neighbors to sponsor their efforts. Each dancer who raises the minimum amount will receive a dancer T-shirt. Dancers who raise $500 will receive the dancer T-shirt and a red sweatshirt blanket with the Rock the U logo screen-printed on it. Dancers who raise $1,000 or more will receive the dancer T-shirt and a red iPod shuffle with the Rock the U logo engraved on it. A grand prize will be given at Rock the U to the dancer who raises the most money.
How do I raise the required $200 to participate in the Rock the U Dance Marathon?
Once students register to be a dancer, they are given a personal fundraising page. Students personalize their page, then e-mail the link to family and friends. This is just one tool participants can use. They can also go canning in the community or put on their own fundraising events to reach their goals. Asking a business to be a sponsor also works for students. For ideas, contact Chelsea Baugh at [email protected].
Why should I dance at Rock the U?
Dance at Rock the U to honor someone who has passed away from cancer, to encourage someone fighting cancer, to celebrate someone who’s survived cancer or just to have fun and be part of the largest student-run philanthropic event at the U.
What if I want to be involved with Rock the U but can’t stay the whole time?
Be a volunteer! We will need volunteers throughout the entire event, and volunteers will get to see firsthand what Rock the U is all about. To volunteer, contact Kirstin Engleby at [email protected].
Do I have to be in a student group to participate?
No! Rock the U is for every student at the U and elsewhere. Dancers must be 18 or older but are not required to be a matriculated student at the U. Bring your friends.
Do I have to register with a team?
No. Most students will create a team of friends to participate in Rock the U. Each team member will raise $200 and stand on his or her feet for the whole 26.2 hours. There is no limit to the number of people in a team. Teams can be created after individuals register for Rock the U by sending an e-mail with the team name and the names of all members to [email protected].
How do I register?
Students can register online by going to www.rocktheu.utah.edu and clicking on “Register Now” or by picking up a registration form in the ASUU office at the Union Suite 234. There is a $10 registration fee for each participant to help pay for dancer T-shirts and meals.
Step up to stop cancer today by participating in Rock the U! This is an event you don’t want to miss.
Chelsea Baugh is the director of Rock the U.
