With RebelTHON quickly approaching, the committee and students are preparing for Friday’s festivities.
The final touches are being made for Friday’s RebelTHON, which benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis. RebelTHON will be held at the Jackson Center from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Those who sign up are encouraged to have a minimum $75 fundraising goal.
Claire Reid, University of Mississippi senior Spanish and international studies major and executive director of RebelThon, said that 403 people have signed up for the event and that they have raised $12,088.96 so far.
“We didn’t set a goal originally, since this is our first year and we didn’t know what to expect, so we’ve already exceeded our own expectations,” Reid said.
This year’s theme is “Stand for Hope. Dance for Life,” and participants will be on their feet all night.
There will be themed hours throughout the 12 hour event. Every hour families of children treated at Le Bonheur will speak.
“Each of the 12 hours has been assigned a theme with corresponding activities and music, including live music from Bonfire Orchestra, Ice Cream Social, and others,” Reid said.
Among the themed hours will be a school spirit hour featuring the Ole Miss Rebelettes and Cheerleaders.
Raid said that Old Venice and City Grocery are catering the event and there will be snacks from other local restaurants as well.
“We want the entire university community to know about this awesome new student organization and service opportunity,” co-advisor for RebelTHON Ryan Upshaw said.
Upshaw also said that Ole Miss is the first college to host a Dance Marathon, which is the official name for these events. He said that the university community has been very supportive of the students’ efforts.
Once the event is over, next year’s plans will begin.
“We will begin planning a color run and hold interviews for next year’s executive board,” Reid said.
Upshaw said the board hopes that RebelTHON will become a tradition on campus.
“There are many members of the Ole Miss family whose children have benefited from Le Bonheur’s services,” Upshaw said. “It is a great that the student body can participate in giving back to such a wonderful cause.”
People can register or donate online at www.helpmakemiracles.org/event/RebelTHON.
Registration is $15 for students and $20 for non-students.
