UP 4 THE FIGHT College Fundraisers Prepare for Another Successful Year

Earlier this month, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) hosted eight students from four universities, to share information about the foundation and to prepare for a successful season of dance marathons. Although the school year is still weeks away, the dedicated college students in charge of the UP 4 THE FIGHT Dance Marathons are already planning their events and fundraising campaigns.

Four of EGPAF’s four dance marathon partners sent two student representatives to our DC office to learn about fundraising strategies and to share best practices with each other. With representation from across the country (Los Angeles to Boston), the students welcomed the opportunity to hear from others at different universities working towards the same goals: to raise funds for EGPAF and to spread awareness of pediatric AIDS on their campuses and in their communities.

At these events, which are held throughout the academic year, dancers are required to stay standing for 12–26 hours. Entertainment, food, activities, and a whole lot of fun keep students on their feet.

With events this size, extensive planning by the students is required. At this year’s Dance Marathon Retreat, the students discussed the challenges and successes they have experienced in preparing and executing a successful event. The students discussed different fundraising opportunities, various ways to increase engagement and participation, and tackling event management issues.

The students also had the opportunity to learn about EGPAF. The retreat participants were excited to become more familiar with EGPAF’s work and look forward to sharing information with their event participants.

EGPAF’s CEO and President, Chip Lyons, kicked off this year’s retreat with an introduction to the organization and its important role in ending pediatric AIDS. EGPAF staff members involved in Public Policy & Advocacy, External Affairs, country project management, and more, provided insight into the daily work and successes of the foundation. 

 

The students also learned about specific research projects funded by the UP 4 THE FIGHT program from Vice President of Research, Dr. Laura Guay, and Director of Global Implementation and Research, Godfrey Woelk.

To show appreciation for all of the hard work they have put into the UP 4 THE FIGHT program, EGPAF organized a tour of the National Mall and a quick visit (and photo-op) in front of the White House.

We can’t wait to see what these students accomplish with their fundraising campaigns this year.

If you would like to learn more about how to get involved with UP 4 THE FIGHT Dance Marathons at UCLA, UC-Berkeley, College of the Holy Cross or Baldwin Wallace University, please visit up4thefight.org or contact us at up4thefight@pedaids.org.