By Bryona Colyar / Jambar Contributor
’Guins will waddle and wiggle at Youngstown State University’s annual Guinathon Dance Marathon on Feb. 22.
Guinathon is a part of the Children’s Miracle Network’s nationwide dance movement and a partnership with Akron Children’s Hospital. CMN hospitals is an international, nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funds for children’s hospitals.
Co-executive directors of Guinathon, Jordyn Olson and Lucy Allen, said after several months of planning, students and staff talked with city partners to create the event.
“Being able to help [children] is what really matters. What people should recognize more is that the kids bring happiness — bring the light,” Olson said. “They are our future generation, so we should be looking out for them more and caring about them more.”
YSU has partnered with Akron Children’s Hospital every year the event is held. The Guinathon team works year round for donations through other various fundraisers with the marathon as the final lap. It is also a celebration of the team’s hard work.
The directors said funds raised from the event go to comprehensive care, updating medical technologies and aiding new research. This move also eliminates possible financial strains on medical developments or bills faced by doctors and families.
Olson said this year is the first time the event is free and open to the public. In previous years, only participants involved in fundraising were allowed to attend.
Allen said she is excited for the turnout.
“In recent years, we wanted to kind of expand our community outreach and be able to bring more family members and kids in the community. So, we moved to having a public event, which is what it is this year,” Allen said. “Anybody can come, you don’t have to raise a certain amount of money.”
Allen said she feels that the main event is not only rewarding to the Mahoning Valley’s children, but also the team.
“The main goal is to fundraise all year through being on fundraising teams or individually fundraising. And then, coming together at the main event for one last fundraising push. Whatever the next goal may be, it’s a celebration of what we have accomplished over the years,” Allen said.
At the event, Olson said attendees should stand the entire time and only sit when needed. The team members use and remain loyal to its saying “Stand for those who can’t” as another sign of solidarity with local children.
Along with dancing, participants can contribute to donations with raffles and silent auctions.
Last year, the main event raised over $21,000. This year’s goal is $20,000. The team expects a high turnout for the event since opening its dance floor to the public.
This year’s Guinathon will be held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center.
