On Sunday, April 7, Fordham Dance Marathon (FDM) sponsored RamFest x Keating Steps, their largest and final event of the semester, revealing their fundraising efforts totaled $76,437 this year. They collaborated with United Student Government (USG) and a variety of performing groups to fundraise for The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, which is the largest provider of financial assistance for childhood cancer in the country. Joe McDonough, the B+ Foundation’s founder, spoke to attendees.
In previous years, RamFest did not exist. It was called “day-of” and was often held near Lombardi Field house.
“This year, Emily and I decided we wanted to rebrand ‘day-of’ and moved it outdoors to Eddie’s in hopes of attracting more of the general student population, and we renamed it ‘Ramfest,’” said FDM co-president Nicole Rios, FCRH ’25. “We have the opportunity to collaborate with USG to also put on Keating Steps at the event, so we had their performances as well! The process has been lengthy yet rewarding.”
The event had games, food from local businesses and a silent disco. There were performances from the Ramblers, the B-Sides, the Hot Notes, Fordham Falak, Expressions and Candela Latina.
“We were invited to perform at Fordham Dance Marathon’s RamFest and were immediately excited to participate in this event with such an important cause of supporting the B+ foundation for pediatric cancer,” said Sláinte Co-Presidents Allie Small FCRH, ’24, and Bridget Keary, FCRH ’24. “There is something very special about Fordham events that feature all of the performing groups on campus, and we love any opportunity to watch and support other groups as they support us.”
Sláinte, Fordham’s Irish dance team, performed two numbers, “Lord of the Dance” from Michael Flatley’s show “Lord of the Dance” and a routine to “Houdini” by Dua Lipa, choreographed by Andy Meeker, FCRH ’25.
Last year, FDM raised over $130,000 for the B+ Foundation. Last spring, they officially separated from the Rose Hill Association (RHA) and spent the year trying to gain club status.
“A lot of our efforts this year have been spent getting donations to run events since we have not had a budget, so, unfortunately, not all of our attention has been able to go toward fundraising efforts,” said Rios. “While we may not finish the year raising as much as we did last year, we are very proud of staying afloat without club status and having been able to receive as many donations as we did to put on all of the events that FDM usually does with its usual budget.”
FDM began in 2014 to fulfill a RHA philanthropy requirement and has partnered with performing groups many times over the past decade.
“We hadn’t performed for FDM since I joined the B-Sides, so when they reached out, I thought it would be a great opportunity,” said B-Sides President Laura Pereira, FCRH ’25. “I grew up singing for assisted living homes with a performance group, so performing for an important cause is a large part of my experience, and it’s something I wanted the group to be a part of. I think more than just singing a cappella, it is important to do what we do for a good reason.”
The B-Sides performed two songs, “Many the Miles” by Sara Bareilles and “Ain’t No Mountain” by Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye.
Any student can get involved with FDM by creating a fundraising page, which allows them to send out pre-made texts, emails and social media posts to potential donors.
“[Interested students] can email [email protected] to express their interest and be placed on the board,” said Rios. “FDM also offers community service opportunities, which can also be accessed by emailing us at [email protected]. FDM holds many events throughout the semester, and by simply attending, each student is making a difference!”
