WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT #RUDM2023

Where will Dance Marathon take place?

RUDM 2023 is returning to Jersey Mike’s Arena!

What date is the event?

The actual Dance Marathon will be on Saturday, April 1, 2023, but there will be various events, activities, and fundraising opportunities throughout the year because RUDM is #MoreThanAWeekend! Make sure you are following us on Instagram @rudancemarathon for all upcoming events.

What does it mean to be a Dancer?

Dancers are those Rutgers students, alumni, faculty, and staff who register for the event and help fundraise for the final total that is donated to Embrace Kids Foundation and used to fund these Core Programs for the patient families. Dancers do not have any responsibilities on the day of the marathon except to come out and have fun with each other and the kids and their families! Registration closes on March 1. 

Are there other ways to get involved?

We need volunteers to help out on the day of the event. These Event Staff volunteers also pay a registration fee, receive an event t-shirt, and help us fundraise our final total. Registration for Event Staff closes on March 1. 

Will the kids be there?

Yes! The kids and their families will be attending with their RU4Kids groups.

Can anyone attend?

As always, Dance Marathon is open to everyone so invite your friends to come along! Security officers will be present to ensure the safety of all participants.

Will there be multiple sessions?

This year will be a single session.

What kind of activities and entertainment will there be?

We’ll have many of our traditional program features such as the RUDM Line Dance, DJ and Student Group performances, and the Total Reveal, along with a few new surprises that we will announce soon!

Do you dance the entire time?

While there will be music during the entire event, we don’t expect you to dance the whole time unless you really want to! We’ll share more specifics about the schedule and all the components a little closer to the event. 

What should I wear?

Think of this as field day meets spirit week! Wear your school colors and comfortable sneakers since we’ll have lots of activities for everyone.

Will there be food and drinks?

Yes, we’ll have snack stands and water stations throughout the event for everyone in attendance.

Will there be restrooms?

Yes, restrooms are located throughout Jersey Mike’s Arena.

What are the COVID protocols?

Our COVID policies will align with Rutgers event policies at that time (https://coronavirus.rutgers.edu/event-protocol-update/)

Will there be parking?

Regular parking rules will remain in place for students. We are only able to provide special parking provisions for alumni and RU4Kids families.

Why should I get involved with Rutgers University Dance Marathon?

Why not!? RUDM is the largest student-run philanthropic event in the state of New Jersey. Since 1999, RUDM has raised over $10 million for Embrace Kids Foundation. Located in New Brunswick, Embrace Kids Foundation exists to lighten the burden and improve the quality of life for children with cancer, sickle cell, and other serious disorders in the New Jersey/New York City metropolitan area.

Who can participate in RUDM?

RUDM is open to all Rutgers community members (undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and alumni).

What is the Dancer registration fee?

The Dancer registration fee is $25.00 starting on September 1, 2022, and will increase to $35.00 on October 26, 2022. The fee supports RUDM’s year-long planning operations. The deadline to register is Wednesday, March 1

What happens to the money I raise?

100% of the money raised through TeamRaiser goes directly to the Embrace Kids Foundation to support their mission “to lighten the burden, maintain normalcy and improve the quality of life for families whose children are facing cancer, sickle cell and other serious health challenges.” Learn more about our partnership with the Embrace Kids Foundation and the programming we support.

What resources are available for me to help kickstart my fundraising?

We’ve collected much more information about the TeamRaiser platform and the resources available to Dancers into our Fundraising Manual. Make sure to also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for fundraising tips, events, and inspiration!

My organization does not have a team. Can we form one?

Any recognized on-campus organization can form a team! Please email us at finance@marathon.rutgers.edu with the organization’s name and contact information for the team lead.

I’m not part of an organization. Is there a team for me?

We have a vibrant community of independent Dancers called Project FTK. We strive to foster this inclusive and fun community of like-minded students. Anyone can join to get started raising money and awareness For The Kids!

Can I change my team after I register?

Yes, you can change your team at any time either through the TeamRaiser interface or by emailing us at finance@marathon.rutgers.edu.

I’m an alumni, can I get involved too?

Yes! You can register as an Alumni Dancer and get to fundraising!

Any additional questions? Send us a note at info@marathon.rutgers.edu.