October Recap
As we know, the Fall 2020 semester being moved online presented a new set of challenges for all of us, many of which were not expected. Throughout this time, all of us within the UDance community have joined together and reimagined a semester of UDance, where we’ve been able to create enjoyable memories while being safe, and always fighting for the kids.
We are always inspired by our B+ Heroes to remain optimistic and resilient, which we have proudly displayed throughout this time. During the month of October, we were able to accomplish so much thanks to our UDance community, and we’re excited to reflect on the moments that we’re so grateful for.
Andrew’s Athletes
We began our month with the second annual Andrew’s Athletes T-Shirt Campaign, which we’re so happy to say, was extremely successful! In just two weeks, UDance’s athletic organizations fundraised a total of $42,678.29 for the kids. We are all so proud of our athletes and the amazing work they did to make this happen!
UDance x NYDM Jeopardy
UDance partnered with NYDM towards the beginning of October, for a day of virtual Jeopardy and bonding with our heroes. Dance marathon representatives from both New York University, and the University of Delaware, joined our B+ Heroes over Zoom for some friendly trivia competition.
We had so much fun collaborating with another school, and especially spending our Saturday with our heroes!
Week of Why
On October 12th, we kicked off Week of Why; which was a time for everyone in our community to come together and reflect on why we continue to support the fight against childhood cancer. Not being able to see our B+ Heroes is one of the most difficult challenges we face this semester, but this week allowed us to remember the importance of our impact and show our love and support for our incredible and courageous B+ Heroes.
The week began with Rave Run, a virtual, three-day 5K, as well as a yearly tradition for UDance. While we’re used to participating together in-person on UD’s campus, the transition to a socially distanced event ran smoothly! Over 100 participants finished their 5K from all across the region within a three-day period, and a special Rave Run playlist helped us all get into the spirit. Not only did we start the week by getting active and fundraising in support of our B+ Heroes, but we had fun, boosted morale, and brought our community together.
On the fourth day of Week of Why, we announced a very special addition to UDance’s digital presence; a podcast! ‘WeTalk, UDance’ is the perfect way to learn more about UDance in an entertaining, and inspiring, way. Our podcast will feature a variety of members from the B+ and UDance communities, such as B+ Heroes and their families, as well as guest speakers, UDance alumni, and so many more!
Our first episode, featuring the UDance 2021 Co-Executive Directors, Sara Donnelly and Maria Lilley, can be found here. We’re so excited to share a new form of entertainment for our communities, and hope to remind our listeners of not only the impact of UDance, but to also highlight the amazing, talented, and inspirational people within our circles.
We completed the week by reflecting on our personal experiences with UDance, and especially our connections to our B+ Heroes. On our social media, you can find personalized videos made by our Athletics, RSO, and Greek Life organizations showing their love and support for their B+ Heroes. During a mid-semester slump, Week of Why gave us the motivation and encouragement needed to keep fighting for our B+ Heroes, and all children, every day.
Adopt-A-B+ Hero
Also in October, our beneficiary, The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, began a three-day fundraising campaign named Adopt-A-B+ Hero. Each participant was given a goal of fundraising $1,000, the approximate amount needed in order to financially assist a family of a child with cancer. Upon reaching that goal, the participant would receive a thank you note and photo from a B+ Hero that was assisted through those donations to prove just how impactful our efforts can be.
Adopt-A-B+ Hero was highly successful and resulted in a total of $102,851 fundraised for the kids, as well as the “adoption” of 19 B+ Heroes, and support of 102 families. All of us at UDance feel honored to have been a part of this campaign, and commend everyone for their hard work and persistence in making a difference in the lives of families battling childhood cancer.
Alumni Takeover
About halfway through the month, we stopped to take a moment to recognize our amazing alumni, who are incredible examples of what it means to Live Like Andrew every day. Alumni Takeover was our way of emphasizing the importance of our UDance alumni, while also encouraging many more to continue their involvement with UDance post-college.
We are so proud of, and thankful for, our alumni who continuously embody the Be Positive mindset. Support from our alumni is not only crucial to our fight, but also a very special reminder of the lifelong commitment we’ve made to fight for the kids. UDance is not for four years, it’s for life! Watch the video here to hear more from our alumni.
Monster Mashup: UDance x NOVAdance x NYDM
For the first time ever, UDance NOVAdance, and NYDM joined together this Halloween season for a Monster Mashup! We celebrated Halloween with a two-day event, which included costumes, support for our B+ Heroes, creating valuable memories, and so much more!
The first official Monster Mashup event started with a variety of representatives from all three schools putting on their best Halloween costumes for FTKostume Contest, a virtual costume contest with our B+ Heroes as the judges. Along with the contest, B+ Hero Lilly performed a special song for all of us attending! This was the perfect opportunity to bond with our heroes, get creative, and have fun celebrating the season together.
After FTKostume Contest, we all participated in a huge one-day fundraising event between all three Dance Marathons. In total, $21,411.35 was fundraised for The B+ Foundation by all schools combined, and all of us at UDance are so proud to have been able to participate! Monster Mashup brought hundreds of students together, with our B+ Heroes, for a new event that left us all energized and inspired to collaborate again in the future.
All of us on the UDance Executive Board are extremely proud of everything that we have accomplished, alongside our UDance community, throughout the month of October. Although the semester has been different than we expected, we have all showcased strength and resiliency in support of our B+ Heroes. Between fundraising, reflecting, and creating valuable moments over Zoom, we have continued to support the fight against childhood cancer while maintaining a similar level of interaction and enjoyment.
We look forward to another successful month, and know that our community will continue to support us as we work to create change and inspire hope for all children and families battling childhood cancer. For updates on upcoming virtual events and campaigns, please view our events page and follow UDance on social media.