Grand Valley’s

Dance Marathon

2009

Dancer Registration Packet

Dear Prospective Dancer,

We are so excited to hear that you are interested in participating in Grand Valley’s Dance Marathon 2009!  We’d like to first explain a little bit about the Dance Marathon event itself then a little bit of background on the Dance Marathon Movement.

This is the 4th year for Dance Marathon at Grand Valley and we are so excited to be a part of the movement.  Our organization is involved in various fundraising events throughout the year, but our “main event”, the actual dance marathon, is scheduled for November 6-7, 2009 from 2pm – 2am.   Students participating in Dance Marathon raise money for the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.  At the event there will of course be lots of DANCING!  But, we will also be providing food, games, and lots of FUN!  Children’s Miracle Network families are invited to join to help us in this occasion.

Dance Marathon is an organization affiliated with the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) and various hospitals around the nation.  CMN was formed in 1983 by the Osmond family, and was designed to help those with children in the hospital.  The organization holds fundraising events to help the families and children who are going through trying times.  Dance Marathon is just one part of CMN that has hundreds of college campus all over the nation helping to raise money.  A short list of Universities involved includes: Purdue, UCLA, University of Michigan, Ball State, Hope College, and Michigan State University.

So now that you know a bit about the event, you are probably wondering, “How do I get involved?”  To have this event, we need individuals and teams!  Start the buzz with your organization and groups of friends to participate in the worthy cause.  We look forward to working with you to make this day a great one for the kids!

Happy dancing!

GVSU Dance Marathon Team

[email-masked]

Dance Marathon Basics

Date: November 6th-November 7th, 2009

Time: 2pm – 2am

Location: Grand River Room in Kirkhof

Registration Fee:

Individual Dancers: $12 per dancer
Dancers a part of team: $10 per dancer

Suggested Minimum Fundraising Requirement:
Based on team size:
5-10 people: $200 ($20-$40 per person)
11-20 people: $500 ($25-$45 per person)
21+ people: $1000

How to register:
1. Fill out the registration form in this packet
2. Bring your completed form and registration fee to the Community
Service Learning Center (Kirkhof Center 110B)
by November 2nd.
3. Start raising money for the kids!

Fundraising Ideas…Be creative!

To be a successful fundraiser for Dance Marathon, the most important thing is to be familiar with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and the programs that the Dance Marathon funds will be supporting.

Once you are familiar with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, there are endless possibilities for fundraising ideas!  Use your creativity and don’t be afraid to simply ask people to support your participation in Dance Marathon!

Ideas for raising money:

* Sending out donation letters to family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know!  (Refer to the sample letter in this packet)

*Visiting local businesses and asking for donations

*Finding loose change

*Volunteering as a babysitter, dog walker, house sitter, etc. and having people pay you with donations

*Holding a bake sale

*Collecting pop cans from friends and people in your neighborhood or apartment community

*Holding a car wash

*Organizing a change drive

If you are having trouble reaching the fundraising money requirements, feel free to contact the Dance Marathon team at [email-masked].

Sample Fundraising Letter

Dear                                 ,

I am writing to ask for your support as I participate in Grand Valley State University’s 4th annual Dance Marathon on November 6th-7th 2009.  Dance Marathon in a fundraiser where Grand Valley students will pledge to remain standing for 12 hours to raise money for children.  100% of the funds raised by these dedicated dancers will benefit Children’s Miracle Network at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Dance Marathon is a nationwide tradition that has raised thousands of dollars for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.  Currently over 90 schools around the nation participate in dance marathon.

The funds that are raised for Dance Marathon at GVSU through contributions such as yours are used by Children’s Miracle Network to provide care for the children of the West Michigan area.  The money raised provides funding for pediatric research, patient care, state-of-the-art equipment, patient education, and diversionary activities for children who must endure long hospital stays.  As part of the Children’s Miracle Network’s alliance with premier hospitals throughout the US and Canada, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital treats thousands of children each year, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.  The Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital relies on community support, such as yours, so that no child must be turned away.

While Dance Marathon is indeed an enjoyable event, the miracle children are at the heart of experience.  The 12 hours I remain on my feet is nothing compared to the hardships that many of these children have endured.  While each dancer is being asked to raise $20-$45, my personal goal is to raise as much as possible.  Will you help me exceed my fundraising goal?  Please complete the form below and return it along with your gift to Grand Valley State University.  Checks can be made payable to Grand Valley State University with “Dance Marathon” written in the memo section.

Please remember that every donation will truly make a difference in the life of a child!

For all the right reasons,
(Your name)

Please detach this portion to mail with your donation to the address below.

Your name
Your Address                                                                    City
State                      Zip
Amount donated                                             I need a tax receipt letter

Grand Valley State University, Attn: Dance Marathon
1110 Kirkhof Center
1 Campus Dr.
Allendale, MI 49401-9403

*Please fill out and return pages 6-8 to the Community Service Learning Center (1110B Kirkhof Center) along with your Registration fee by November 2nd.

GVSU Dance Marathon Dancer Registration Form 2009

Name:

Email:

Local Address:

Permanent Address:

Phone Number:

Emergency Contact Name:

Emergency Contact Number:

Team Name: __________________________________________________________________________________

Tee-shirt size (Circle one): S   M   L   XL   XXL

Signature:                                                                   Date:

**Please sign the liability waiver and EMS forms following this page.  Without your signature on both forms you will be unable to participate in this event.

GVSU Dance Marathon Participant Waiver

Participant’s Name:

Grand Valley State University

Waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement
Waiver: In consideration of being permitted to participate in any way in the Grand Valley Stat University Marathon I, for myself, my heirs, personal representatives or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Grand Valley State University, its officers, employers, and agents from liability from any and all claims resulting in personal injury, accidents, or illnesses (including death), and property loss arising from, but not limited to, participation in the Grand Valley State University Dance Marathon.

Signature of participant:                                                    Date:                                                      ______________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian if participant is a minor:                                              __________________________________

Assumption of Risks: Participation in Grand Valley State University Dance Marathon carries with it certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries.  The specific risks vary from one activity to another, but the risks range from 1) minor injuries such as scratches, bruises, and sprains 2) major injuries such as eye injury or loss of sight, joint or back injuries, heart attacks, and concussions 3) catastrophic injuries including paralysis and death.

I have read the previous paragraphs and I know, understand, and appreciate these and other risks that are inherent in Grand Valley State University Dance Marathon.  I hereby assert that my participation is voluntary and that I knowingly assume all suck risks.

Indemnification and Hold Harmless: I also agree to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD Grand Valley State University HARMLESS from any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses, damages, and liabilities, including attorney’s fees brought as a result from my involvement in Grand Valley State University Dance Marathon and to reimburse them for any such expenses incurred.  Severability: The undersigned further expressly agrees that the forgoing waiver and assumption of risks agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law

Of the State of Michigan and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agrees that the balance shall; notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. Acknowledgement of Understanding: I have read this waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement, fully understand its terms, and understand that I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue.  I acknowledge that I am signing the agreement freely and voluntarily, and intend by my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.

Signature of participant:                                                    Date:                                      ______________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian if participant is a minor:                              _________________________________

Grand Valley State University Dance Marathon Substance Abuse Policy

“Dance Marathon” is a substance free event.  GVSU Dance Marathon does not condone the use of illegal substances or alcohol during the course of this activity.

I understand the preceding statement.

Signature:                                                                                              Date:                                       _______________

Dancer Medical Form

Name:                                                                                    ___________              Sex: __________________________________________

Age (At time of Dance Marathon):                                                   _______________________________________

G Number:                                                                                            _______________________________________

Local Address:                                                                     _______________________________________

Phone Number:                                                                    _______________________________________

Home Address:                                                                    ____________________________________________

Date of Birth:                                                                                        ______________________________

Medical Problems (Place a check mark next to any of the following that pertain to your current or past medical history:
ASTHMA
DIABETES
EMPHYSEMA
EPILEPSY
HEART PROBLEMS
CONTACT LENSES
ALLERGIES (                                         )
OTHER (                                                )

Current Medications:                                                                          _______________________________________
(List all medications you are taking. For example: allergy and asthma meds or birth control)

Please indicate with a check mark your preference for pain medication
TYLENOL:                             or IBUPROFEN:

List a person that we can contact in case of an emergency (someone in
the Grand Valley State University area with access to a car):

Name:                                                                    Phone:                                   ______________________________

Address:                                                                                                _____________________

Relation:                                                                                                                ____________________

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Information for Emergency Contact:

Name:                                                                    ____________ Phone:                               __________________

Address:                                                                ______________________________

GVSU Dance Marathon 2009 Rules

1.There will be no in and out privileges for registered dancers except bathroom breaks and emergencies, and it is expected that all dancers stay the entire 12 hours of the event.

2.Each individual is required to pay a registration fee, please refer to the fee schedule in the registration packet.  In addition to the registration fee, each team is asked to raise a minimum in donations according to team size for Children’s Miracle Network.

3. All money generated from pledges and ticket sales will be granted to the needs of the youth and children of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.  It is recommended that you ask family, friends, and others close to you for pledges to support this cause.

4. All checks should be made payable to Grand Valley State University with “Dance Marathon” in the memo line.

5. In order to participate in GVSU Dance Marathon, all dancers must have submitted a completed registration packet.

6. You must have valid ID to enter

7. The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited; anyone suspected of being under the influence will be removed from GVSU Dance Marathon.

8. Participants should be on their feet for the full 12 hours unless there is an emergency. Each team will be allowed 1 participant to be seated at once.

9. All backpacks, purses, watches, call phones, etc. will be stored in a safe area.

10. Free food and beverages will be provided during the event.  If you have restrictive dietary needs, please indicate that on the proper registration form.