University of Mississippi students are hoping to once again surpass their previous fundraising efforts for Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital at the UM Medical Center in Jackson through the sixth annual RebelTHON dance marathon this weekend.
Last year, Ole Miss students danced nonstop during the 12-hour event and raised more than $172,000 for the hospital. This year, the goal is $225,000
The event begins at 3 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 24) at the Turner Center, Each hour, participating students will hear from families about their experiences at Batson. The visiting children and families will join in the dancing and play games with students throughout the marathon.
“I first registered as a last-minute dancer my sophomore year and fell in love with it,” said Hailey Cooper, a senior English major from Madison and RebelTHON president. “It’s always a great time for patients and it’s just fun to treat them like rock stars for the day.”
Registration is open for the event until the end, when the total announced at 3 a.m. The registration fee is $25, and participants are asked to raise $100 to dance the entire time.
Community hours for the event are 6 to 9 p.m., where anyone can pay $5 to experience the event.
Cooper said she hopes the money raised by Ole Miss students will help fund Batson’s $180 million project to provide space for private neonatal intensive care units, pediatric intensive care units, additional operating rooms and imaging services designed to diagnose and treat children.
To register, visit https://www.rebelthon.
By Christina Steube
