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After 12 years and nearly $2 million in fundraising for Virginia nonprofits, the Deep Run Marathon Dance will conclude with its final event March 16-17.
The school's annual event has raised a total of $1,973,000 for a variety of charities since its 2007 inception, and organizers hope to top the $2 million mark with the dance's concluding effort. More than 6,000 Deep Run students have participated in the dance during its 11-year run to date.
Kathleen Kern, the Deep Run teacher who launched the event and has spent considerable time running it with her husband David, will hang up her dancing shoes this year. She said that the event's long run is a testament to the community's support.
"The event wouldn't have been possible without the businesses, volunteers, donors and other ardent supporters who never waiver when I call repeatedly with requests," said Kern. "So many local businesses share the same values of charitable giving that we advocate for the dance. The resources they have provided over the years have enabled this event to succeed for 12 years."
About 600 participating students will check in on the evening of Friday, March 16 and dance for pledges, leaving 27 hours later. The participants will take breaks and have the option to sleep for two hours. The proceeds from the event will go to 13 area nonprofits.
The dance will contain some nods to the inaugural event, including an attempt to replicate 2007's "neon rave." The Deep Run dance ranks second nationally in fundraising among such events. For details about the dance and this year's recipients, visit http://marathondance.org.
Members of the public are invited to attend the finale Saturday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. Interested members of the public can donate until March 31 by sending a check to: Deep Run HS, 4801 Twin Hickory Road, Glen Allen, Va. 23059, Attn: Kathleen Kern, DRMD director. Checks should be made payable to "DRHS." Checks will also be accepted at the event.
