Dance Blue is a student-run organization that fundraises for the hematology/oncology clinic. The goal is to raise money for the Golisano Children’s Clinic at the University of Kentucky’s Healthcare System. They offer a level 1 pediatric trauma center, and it is one of the only pediatric-focused trauma centers in the region.
Students at the University of Kentucky started Dance Blue in 2006, and they hold an annual dance marathon each year to support the clinic. Over time, this event has spread to high schools that host what they call DanceBlue minis.
Great Crossing and Scott County High School started hosting their mini DanceBlue during the 2022-2023 school year, and it has grown in size each year since. The Dance Blue committee works for months to plan and run various fundraisers that culminates in the Dance Blue marathon, that includes not only dancing, but lots of food and games, and the evening ends by announcing the total amount of money raised by GCHS and SCHS.
Senior Bailey Maxwell served as the Co-President of Dance Blue this year. This was Bailey’s second year participating in DanceBlue, and last year she was a committee member for fundraising. “DanceBlue means so much to me. Knowing that everything we do goes to such an amazing cause is so amazing. Our goal is to not only raise money for the Golisano Children’s Clinic at UK, but also to raise awareness within our community about DanceBlue, and bring everyone together to help make a change.”
Dance Blue has been more successful in Scott County because of Great Crossing and Scott County combining to raise more money and unite as one to raise the most money possible as a team. Melissa Smith is a faculty advisor for Dance Blue, and she believes that program has been so successful because of all the sponsors and community members. “Without them and the hard work of our DanceBlue Committees, DanceBlue in Scott County would not be possible.”
Over the past year, Maxwell has learned from other Dance Blue presidents, which has helped her with planning the mini Dance Blue. “Planning the mini and any other event/fundraiser we host takes a lot of work from our team. From getting sponsorships to making banners, getting prizes, our whole committee works together to plan amazing events.”
This year’s DanceBlue committee has raised a total of $43,719.15. Smith is very proud of this year’s committee. “We have some amazing students here in Scott County who enjoy giving of themselves to help others,” she said.
Applications for next year’s committee are currently available for students at Great Crossing, and new committee members will be selected by the end of April so that planning for next year can get underway.
