As the new school year settles in, McDance-a-Thon, one of McLean’s largest clubs, has begun to hold fundraisers for Children’s National Hospital. Last year, the club raised over $53,000 dollars, and their goal for this year is to surpass that amount.

“McDance-a-Thon is a great way to raise money for the kids, and all the money we raise is super beneficial to the hospital,” junior Erin Collins said. “It allows the kids to still be able to hold onto their childhood, despite being in a hospital.”

McDance-a-Thon has already hosted a number of fundraisers this year, including mobile ones such as one where they partnered with Chick-fil-A. Members also created their individual donor drives, where friends and family can donate directly to McDance-a-Thon. On Oct. 5, the club hosted their first in person fundraiser: a car wash at the Lutheran Church of Redeemer. Many people attended the event, and it was a good start to the year for the club.

“Our fundraisers have been going great, especially our car wash, where everyone had so much fun,” junior Maddie Gorsline said. “The events build community within our club and the rest of McLean as well as raise money for kids that need it. Any amount of money we raise is a success.”

With the amount of people and the dedication of the club’s executives and committee leaders, McDance-a-Thon members are hopeful for another successful year.

“I think the year is going to go very well,” Collins said. “We have a lot of new members this year, and I think everyone is super excited and passionate about the cause. It’s going to be a great year.”