by The University of Minnesota student group Dance Marathon held its annual ‘Sotathon event this past weekend.
The 8-hour-long event was the final fundraiser of the school year for Gillette Children’s Hospital.
In attendance were kids from Gillette and their families, dancing and joining in on all the fun, one of them even being a bit of a celebrity.
ZaLayaa Jahzara Wandrick is the 2024 and 2025 “Champion,” who was nominated as the face of Gillette. This was ZaLayaa and her family’s third ‘Sotathon.
“My favorite part is getting to see everyone happy and all the joy around here,” ZaLayaa said.
“Mine is getting to watch them do the morale dance,” her mother, Jazzalette Wandrick, said.
The morale dance is performed every hour on the hour, designed to keep the kids energetic and moving.
Not only was there dancing, but fun activities such as nine-square and hula-hooping, and games including red light green light.
There was a silent auction, and people could pay to nominate friends to participate in minute-to-win-it games, and karaoke.
Entertainment for the long day included performances from dancing groups to concerts from local artists, which of course prompted more dancing.
President Brenna McClarey reminds everyone what the event is truly about.
“It’s literally just spending time with a bunch of random people who want to raise money and awareness for children who are getting care at Gillette Children’s,” she said.
The night ended with the big reveal, Dance Marathon raising over $10,000 throughout the year, and a group favorite: the pie-in-the-face.
It was a full day of dancing students dedicated to bringing awareness and smiles to the children of Gillette.
