WHO WE ARE Families First. Everything Counts. Surrender Yourself. Rutgers University Dance Marathon (RUDM) is the largest, student-run philanthropic event in New Jersey. RUDM’s mission is to provide emotional and financial support for children who are a part of Embrace Kids Foundation. RUDM participants dance to help raise funds and awareness that goes towards the mission of Embrace Kids –to support the non-medical needs of children with cancer, sickle cell, and other serious disorders. RUDM is not limited to one weekend in Spring. It is a year-long effort to raise funds and awareness for children with cancer and blood disorders. Children and their families who are a part of Embrace Kids Foundation are paired with fraternities, sororities, and organizations across Rutgers University. The pairing ensures children and their families have a support system at the University, and feel as they are a part of the Rutgers community. Our efforts culminate in a weekend of a no-sitting, no-sleeping, Dance Marathon! The event takes place at the Louis Brown Athletic Center (the RAC) and brings together over 2,000 people, including dancers and volunteers. In 2018, RUDM raised a record-breaking $1,055,468.37 and 100% of money raised went to Embrace Kids Foundation! Since 1999, RUDM has raised over $7.9 million for Embrace Kids Foundation. The money raised has helped countless families in the tri-state area cope with the numerous challenges of pediatric cancer. All the money RUDM raises goes directly to Embrace Kids Foundation and helps support the non-medical needs of children with blood disorders and cancer. Rutgers University Dance Marathon is not just another event at the University. It’s a tradition that has far-reaching effects into the community. It’s a tradition that brings the Rutgers community together. It’s a tradition that benefits a marvelous cause. It is a tradition that we hope you take part in.
