With Dance Marathon 14 (scheduled for February 1-2) just weeks away, members of the Dance Marathon Alumni Group (DMAG) are stepping up organizational efforts to extend our support for children and their families. Since DMAG’s last newsletter, Iowa City DM alumni held a bratwurst sale before the Michigan State home football game and appointed a new DMAG Board.

Meet Your Board
Most recently, five Iowa City DM alumni volunteered for the DMAG Board.

We would like to welcome the new board members and thank previous board members for their time and commitment.

As we continue to expand DMAG, please look for communications about future events and how you can participate in the organization and your local community. The DMAG website is currently in the process of being updated and any questions about upcoming events can be directed to Courtney Bond at bond.courtney@gmail.com. She spoke to alumni association Iowa Clubs in early November in hopes of recruiting as many alumni as possible and is thrilled to spread the word.

We hope to see all of you at the BIG Event February 1-2, 2008!

1. Visit www.iGive.com to do some shopping and a percent of each purchase you make will be donated to Dance Marathon (up to 26% of the purchase price)! Simply start by visiting www.iGive.com. Find your cause and register to be a member. It’s free! Then check out iGive.com’s great offers and deals, such as free shipping and double donations. Use the links on iGive.com to visit and shop at over 680 stores online. iGive will send the donation to your favorite cause, Dance Marathon!
2. Buy a Dance Marathon Alumni T-shirt. Order yours now for delivery in February.
3. Join the UI Alumni Association (UIAA). The UIAA will donate 20 percent to Dance Marathon. Be sure to enter promotion code: dance marathon and join today!
4. Let DM alumni volunteers know how you’d like to stay involved. Whether you continue to help in Iowa City or would like to set out a donation box or set up a satellite event where you live or work now, we’d like to know. Help establish a DM social network by e-mailing bond.courtney@gmail.com or mckinze.cook@gmail.com.

Just because your days as a University of Iowa student are history, you don’t have to give up DM. You can still sign up to be a dancer, spirit dance, or attend DMAG events during Dance Marathon.

• Friday, February 1, join DM alumni for a social in downtown Iowa City from 9-11 p.m. at the Airliner (upper level). A group will be gathering at the IMU at 8:30 p.m. to walk together.
• Saturday, February 2, alumni will be recognized on stage at 1 p.m. followed by a catered meal at the Iowa Memorial Union for all DM alumni participating in or visiting the events.

Recently, a mailing with more information and an RSVP card was sent to you about these events. Your prompt response is much appreciated. When you arrive at DM14, please sign in at the DM alumni table to receive any passes and other important materials.

Sign up TODAY! See http://www.uiowa.edu/~dancemar/getinvolved/spirit.html. 

How much does it cost? Each participant is asked to raise $100 and pay a $15 registration fee. All participants are encouraged to raise funds above and beyond $100 as well.

How does it work? This year, alumni will spirit dance from 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, February 2. As a spirit dancer you are expected to participate for 4 hours. Upon your arrival, a family story will be shared, and then you may proceed to the dance floor to boogie away with your family and friends.

If you have questions about Spirit Dancing, please contact Tim Ulaszek at dm.executivechair@gmail.com.

For all of you “Once a Captain, Always a Captain” folks out there, Morale Captain Support Information is looking for you. You should have received a Dance Marathon envelope in your mailboxes in early December. If you did not receive this information and wish to participate, please contact Chris Frett at dm.morale@gmail.com.

Jared Minikus is the son of Steve and Dianna Minikus and the little brother of Cody. He is six years old and from Denver, Iowa. Jared's symptoms began with swelling of the eyes in the spring of 2007. On August 9, 2007, Jared was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a cancer of the bone marrow… Read the rest of the Minikus family story here >>

DMAG hosted its first tailgate at the October 27 Iowa vs. Michigan State home football game at Kinnick Stadium. The event was held close to the action under the water tower by UIHC. We served brats, pop, and chips to Hawkeye fans of all kinds. Many DM alumni volunteered at the tailgate while others participated by donating supplies. Thank you to all who helped!

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