Students who are registered for Ball State University's Dance Marathon had an opportunity to win a plane voucher through fundraising this past week.
As an incentive to meet fundraising goals, BSUDM will give away two plane vouchers for $250 and $150 to the two students who raised the most money last week. This is similar to last year’s “Spring Break Giveaway,” where students could win a trip.
The vouchers are similar to blank Visa/Mastercard gift cards. They can only be used with a specific airline, but are essentially a gift card for the airport, said Evan Ziebell, BSUDM’s director of media relations.
“[The BSUDM board] chose this incentive because we think our generation is prone to appreciate and value travel,” Ziebell said. “We were hoping to pull on the heartstrings of those who want travel and adventure.”
Ziebell said the final numbers haven’t been released yet, but has seen the amount of money raised increase, putting fundraising for the year “in the right direction.”
This year, BSUDM's goal is $550,000. Last year, it raised $502,103.22. Ziebell said he is “very confident” BSUDM will meet its fundraising goal.
“I have faith in the Ball State community,” he said. “I know the campus will unite for the kids.”
For the first time this year, dancers are required to raise at least $100 to be admitted to BSUDM; however, the registration fee is included in the dancer’s amount raised. This means after a dancer pays the $30 registration fee, they only need to raise $70 more to meet the minimum. However, the BSUDM board doesn’t want this to scare away potential participants.
“Our first priority is to aid any dancer who needs help and support,” Ziebell said. “We will do whatever it takes to help participants meet their fundraising goal.”
This includes holding specific events during Riley Week, the week leading up to Dance Marathon. They will also be helping participants on the day of Dance Marathon itself meet their goals, because no one is allowed into the event without having met the minimum.
“BSUDM doesn’t want people to be afraid to register because they’re afraid they won’t meet the minimum,” Ziebell said. “You would be surprised how fast [$70] can be raised.”
The final day to register for Dance Marathon is Feb. 1 at 11:59 p.m.