At the U’s 10th annual Rock the U event, students won’t just be dancing for fun — they’ll be raising money for cancer research.
Each Spring Semester, U students and organizations team up to “celebrate life and dance for a cure,” said Savannah Gelhard, Rock the U associate director. The event is the U’s largest campus-wide philanthropy project.
The idea behind the dance marathon is that “cancer never rests so neither will we,” said Lexie Maschoff, Rock the U director. Students may participate as individuals or in teams and fundraise following registration through the Rock the U website. The page gives participants the option to send emails to family and friends to request donations and connect to social media platforms.
Rock the U began in 2006 when the student body president at the time lost his father to cancer. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $400,000. For the past nine years, it has directly benefited the Huntsman Cancer Institute, but this year the Children’s Miracle Network is a new partner.
“This addition will get students involved in an event that they can make a change for a child in need,” Gelhard said.
Other changes at this year’s event include a new location — the Rice Eccles Stadium tower — as well as an increase in programming. The event will feature a comedian, a magician, cancer survivors and Huntsman Cancer Institute doctors, as well as members of the Utah Spirit Team.
Last year’s event raised approximately $20,000, and this year’s goal is $40,000. The Jan. 29 event will take place earlier this year than in years past, beginning at 4 p.m. and ending at 2 a.m.
“We plan on continuing our fundraising efforts after the event and through the end of the semester,” Maschoff said.
More than 270 participants have registered to attend the event so far, along with 27 team organizations registered to fundraise. These include the Student Alumni Board, MUSS board, Ballroom Dance Company and Utah Tennis Club.
“[It] isn’t just an event where you dance all night,” Gelhard said. “You are making a difference in the lives affected by cancer.”
@sarahnlegg