This year, Fordham Dance Marathon (FDM) raised $100,923.39 to donate to the B+ Foundation, an organization that provides financial support for families with children who have been diagnosed with cancer. 

The event was chaired by Co-Executive Directors of FDM, Collette Campbell, FCRH ’22, and Matt Fisher, FCRH ’21.

FDM was held on Saturday, March 7, in Lombardi Field House from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. The day was split into 10 differently themed hours to fundraise. During Nickelodeon hour, whoever raised the most money for the B+ Foundation within the hour got to choose someone to slime.

Kyle’s Hour, from 6 to 7 p.m., was dedicated to Kyle Egan, a 17-year-old from Saddle River, New Jersey, who lost his life to cancer in 2019. Kristen Egan, FCRH ’21, personal fundraising chair for FDM and Kyle’s sister, spoke at the beginning of the hour, introducing herself and talking about her brother. All of the participants of FDM stayed on the dance floor for the entire hour to honor Kyle.

TJ Hokenson, FCRH ’22, auction chair for FDM, said FDM has been able to fundraise a lot since the annual Benefit Auction in February. Hokenson has been a member of FDM for two years and said it is his favorite part about Fordham. 

“I was so happy to participate again this year, especially on the fundraising and auction team,” said Hokenson. “Our committee was the best I’ve ever worked with, and through all of our hard work we were able to raise over $100,000 for the fight against pediatric cancer.” 

He said the committee planned a fundraiser for every hour of FDM. 

“Through the amazing fundraising efforts of our committee, and all of FDM’s supporters, we were able to raise $20,000 just that day for the kids,” said Hokenson. 

Julie Connelly, FCRH ’23, a member of the Faber Hall Residence Hall Association (RHA) board, said she was really looking forward to the event.

“I’m really excited to get more involved with the FDM board next year,” said Connelly. 

Since RHA and FDM work closely together, all members of the RHA general board have been fundraising and attending FDM events throughout the year.

Caroline Brown, FCRH ’23, is not a member of RHA or FDM but still attended the event for the majority of the day, as did many others.

“I didn’t really know much about FDM, but after having such a good time this year, I want to find a way to be more involved next year,” Brown said.

Around 4 p.m., the founder of the B+ Foundation, Joe McDonough, spoke about how much of an impact donations can make on families who are struggling.

McDonough’s son, Andrew, passed away at age 14 in 2007 of cancer, and the foundation was named after Andrew’s blood type and attitude.

Throughout the day, various performers entertained the crowd, including two of Fordham’s own a cappella groups, the Hot Notes and the B-Sides. Other artists included Homunculus Boogie, Brede, Kilo, Beth Million, Dexter, Maude Latour and the headlining act, Big Time Rush’s Logan Henderson.

“The list of performers we had this year were really diverse due to our sponsorship with Quadio, and it really helped having a lot of live performances to keep the energy up for 10 hours,” said Rebecca Besada, GSB ’20, concert chair for FDM. “They also all reposted donation links to help us with our fundraising goal.”