Ohio State’s second BuckeyeThon is rapidly approaching.
On Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, planners will present a 26-hour dance marathon showcasing various forms of music, dance and live entertainment. All of the proceeds go to benefit the Behavioral Health Services at Columbus Children’s Hospital.
On Monday, committee members will host the “75-Day Countdown” until BuckeyeThon. It will be held on the South Oval side of the Ohio Union.
From noon until 1:15 p.m. – 75 minutes – the staff will offer news about the program and information to anyone interested in becoming a dancer. The theme of 75 continues with a release of 75 balloons while committee members answer questions.
Last year BuckeyeThon included just over 100 dancers. Members are trying to build that number and are seeking anyone interested in participating by spreading the word to residence halls.
“We would like to have a minimum of 200 dancers involved,” said Ryan Chanatry, co-director of BuckeyeThon. “We need to get the word out to people and let them know what their contribution would mean to us and to the Children’s Hospital.”
Meetings are held once a month. The next scheduled meeting is on Dec. 4 at the Ohio Union in Stecker Lounge on the third floor.
Aside from live bands and a variety of DJs planning to attend, the program aims to present a cultural atmosphere.
Morale captains, members who lead the dancers and keep them motivated throughout the 26-hour period, will reveal music and dance from all over the seven continents, exposing styles and customs from across the globe.
“My job as a morale captain is to make the dancers feel comfortable and to keep their spirits up,” said Jessie Dynia, a student at OSU.
She also commented on the cultural theme used in this year’s BuckeyeThon.
“It allows people who wouldn’t normally be exposed to these kinds of music to experience what else is out there and to hear what other people are listening to,” Dynia said.
Additional forms of entertainment include guest speakers, karaoke, board games and a talent show for students.
At its debut last year, the program managed to raise $32,000. Their goal this year is to reach $100,000; a mark Chanatry is confident they can achieve.
“The difference with this year’s campaign is that there is a greater awareness of the program on campus,” he said.
A concern for this year’s campaign was the weekend the dance marathon would be held. Last year the program was scheduled the week prior to midterms, and many students who wanted to participate were unable to juggle both.
The dates of both this year and the following year for BuckeyeThon were selected to benefit the students.
“We wanted students to have a chance to be involved,” said Kay Robinson, coordinator of student involvement at the Ohio Union. “This year it is earlier in the quarter, allowing students to be a part of the event and not be conflicted with other matters.”
Robinson has had experience with a simliar program at Bowling Green State University and joined the OSU staff after last year’s BuckeyeThon.
Robinson was the Greek Affairs graduate assistant at the university for two years until coming to OSU. Last year, Bowling Green raised $415,000 with a program similar to BuckeyeThon.
Unlike OSU, Bowling Green and other schools with programs like this function well because they have experience.
“This is BuckeyeThon’s second year at Ohio State. It takes time to get the word out to people before it can perform the way it should,” Robinson said. “I am convinced that OSU can make this program successful.”
It is important to understand the real reason why this event is taking place – to help those who are less fortunate.
“It’s not just about dancing and music. It’s about the children and what we can do for them,” Chanatry said.
“It feels good to know that what you’re doing is making a difference,” Dynia said.
