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<p>In its 15th year, the student-run dance marathon at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis more than doubled its fundraising record, among other firsts.</p>

Jagathon raises record $351,000 for Riley Hospital for Children

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS — Jagathon, the student-run dance marathon at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, raised $351,430.22 over the weekend to benefit Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. That total more than doubled the record of $140,049.94, set in 2016.

The 13.1-hour event took place Saturday and Sunday at the IUPUI Campus Center.

All funds are donated to Riley Hospital to support pediatric research. Jagathon has raised more than $760,000 for Riley in the event’s 15-year history.

This is the third year for Jagathon to reach six digits in contributions.

Breaking another record, 2017 was the first year that more than 1,000 students registered to participate in Jagathon. Another 300 observers were on hand, including Riley Hospital patients and families, IUPUI administrators, and representatives from Riley Children’s Foundation.

IUPUI students work throughout the year to raise money and awareness for Riley Hospital. They host fundraising events, solicit contributions online, collect in-kind donations, manage sponsorships and volunteer at community events for which they are “paid” with contributions to Jagathon. High school students, mentored by IUPUI students, also organize dance marathons and raise funds that are included in the final tally.

The Jagathon organization also raised nearly $51,000 during the one-day Celebration of Miracles on Feb. 1, more than doubling what the student-run 24-hour fundraising event collected last year.

The largest student-run philanthropic organization on campus, Jagathon is part of the IUPUI Student Foundation. It encourages students to serve their community by gaining experience in planning and executing campuswide events.

Jagathon is the second-oldest dance marathon in the state, trailing only the Indiana University Dance Marathon in Bloomington.