Southern Indiana Dance Marathon returns to USI January 25

Southern Indiana Dance Marathon (SIDM) will return to the University of Southern Indiana for its 13th year on Saturday, January 25 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West. Participants will be on their feet for 10 hours straight to raise money and awareness for Riley Hospital for Children. This year's event will be held from noon to 10 p.m. 

SIDM is seeking support to meet its $35,000 fundraising goal. All funds raised benefit the Riley Children's Foundation to support groundbreaking pediatric research, patient programs in need of additional funding, Riley Maternity and Newborn Health and family support programs, such as child life and social work. USI students can get involved by registering to attend the 10-hour event. Registration is $15 and includes event entry and snacks/meals for the day. 

Marcus Robinson ’25, nursing major, has a special reason to serve as SIDM President for the second consecutive year. His twin brother, Brady, also in the USI Nursing program, is a “Riley kid” due to complications of being born prematurely. He had emergency brain surgery for hydrocephalus when he was only 14 months old, and he continues to see a specialist at Riley to monitor his kidneys after a being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. “The doctors and nurses at Riley have helped my brother overcome so many obstacles,” says Marcus. “Being involved with SIDM is a way for Brady and me to give back to the hospital that has helped him and so many others to thrive and live life to the fullest.” 

SIDM is currently seeking sponsors for the 2025 Dance Marathon. This sponsorship will not go directly to Riley Hospital but will support the student organization raising funds for Riley. To join this cause as an event sponsor, please complete SIDM’s Sponsorship Form. 

Businesses and individuals may also support the Dance Marathon by directing their funds to the Southern Indiana Dance Marathon Donor Drive fundraising page. 

Each year, local Riley families attend the Dance Marathon to share their Riley experience with the USI students. 

Riley patients and their families are also invited to attend the “Red Out for Riley” USI Men’s Basketball game at 7 p.m. Monday, December 2 in Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles. Each Riley family will receive free tickets for immediate family members, and they can request additional tickets for $5 each. Children age 3 and under are free. 

To register for the basketball game, contact Natalie Restivo at nirestivo@eagles.usi.edu or Marcus Robinson at mtrobinson@eagles.usi.edu by Friday, November 29.