Dance Marathon is fast approaching, and along with it some deadlines. Registration form, medical form, and signed waiver form, plus $15 registration fee need to be turned in to the D.M. committee members at the cafeteria table by Wednesday, Sept 22.
Sept. 30 is the donation deadline--at least $45 in donations should be turned in at that time. (Donation form) Consult the Dancer Instructions for further details.

The Bishop Chatard Dance Marathon, held Sunday, Oct. 11, at BCHS raised $33,957.90 for Riley Hospital for Children. Since 2000, BCHS dance marathons have collectively raised over $215,000. Congratulations to the student executive committee members who worked hard to organize this event and the hundreds of student dancers who gave up their Sunday to help children in our community!The Bishop Chatard Dance Marathon, held Sunday, Oct. 11, at BCHS raised $33,957.90 for Riley Hospital for Children.

So, you're considering being a part of the 2010 Bishop Chatard Dance Marathon? Well, Well... Just Do It!! Ask anyone who went last year and they'll tell you what a total blast this is! Dance Marathon is a great way to meet new people, become involved at Chatard, and have fun with your friends! But, most of all -- Just do it for the kids! ....The Dance Marathon Team

• You are helping the Riley Kids
• You know you made a difference
• You get your exercise
• Your parents will be proud
• You'll have the coolest new T-shirt
• You get to see your friends
• You are starting the year off right
• You'll be lending a helping hand
• You will meet new people
• You will play fun games
• Two words: Line dancing!
• You will leave smiling
• You will save lives!!!

In April 1990 a young man named Ryan White died of the AIDS disease. He got this disease from a tainted blood transfusion he received as a boy. In his struggle to humanize the face of AIDS, Ryan White helped to de-stigmatize this horrible disease, and he acted as a beacon of hope to many.

Ryan was from Indiana and attended Riley Hospital for Children to treat his illness. He also had the dream of going to Indiana University for his college career. However, Ryan died on April 8, 1990, just 5 months before he was to start his college career.

His memory was not to die with him, though. A student and friend of Ryan's, Jill Stewart, wanted to memorialize him at IU. She looked into a neat and original fundraising idea called a Dance Marathon. She knew immediately that it was the way that she wanted to memorialize Ryan. In 1991 Indiana University held their first ever Dance Marathon. It was a great success, and in the course of their 36-hour event they raised $11,000!!! Ever since, the numbers have continued to climb. Last year's event at IU raised over $920,386!

Thank you to Tendercare Home Health Services, our 2009 Dance Marathon "Red Wagon" Sponsor.

Dance Marathon is a student-planned and student-attended fundraiser that benefits Riley Hospital for Children. During the 7-hour marathon, participants will play fun games such as guitar hero and dodge ball, eat delicious food, hear unique stories from Riley families, and of course - dance! All students will learn a line dance taught by Indiana University Dance Marathon Committee Members.

Now, we know what you are thinking..A LINE DANCE? You mean cowboy boots and ten-gallon hats? No, this will be the same dance presented at the IU marathon this year -- fun and goofy moves put together to the beat of a ton of popular songs.

But don't worry if you have two left feet; you don't have to be a great dancer to raise money for the Riley Kids!!! But wait - how does this raise money for the kids at Riley? Good question. Each dancer will be required to raise a minimum of $40.00 plus pay a $12.00 registration fee (covers T-shirt and other expenses) to be allowed to dance.

We hope that this answers your basic questions about Dance Marathon. More information will be presented in your registration packets. Remember, this is a great way to help out the kids in need and have fun at the same time!!

A few years ago, Bishop Chatard High School hosted mini-Dance Marathons and the following year participated in the IU Dance Marathon.

Since 2000, the BCHS marathon has been student-run and has grown by leaps and bounds! It has raised over $215,000 for Riley! Our goal is always to raise $1 more than the year before. Remember: Do it for the kids!

Dance Marathon '09 success

• "Get in the Game, Save a Life, Dance for Riley" ...$33,957.
• Do What's Right; Fight Their Kryptonite; Dance for Riley '08! ...$36,400.
• iCan, iCare, iDance for Riley '07 ...$29, 031.
• Lights, Camera - DANCE! Be A Star for Riley '06! ....$24,317
• Give Love, Save Lives, Hang Ten for Riley '05! ....$20,172
• Dance A little While Just to See Kids Smile '04! ....$16,125
• Peace, Love, Riley '03! ....$17,500
• Step Up, Get Down, Reach Out to Riley '02! ....$18,405
• Cha-Cha For the Children - Movin' Our Feet to the Riley Beat '01! ....$14,618
• Dance Marathon 2000! ....$11,038