As McDance-a-Thon prepares for its annual dance marathon on March 22, club members rush to raise as much money as possible for Children’s National Hospital. Last year, the club raised $53,765.07, and their goal for this year is to surpass that amount. The theme for the dance this year is Rise Together, and students are excited for the activities that await.

“I am so excited to be a part of something that is giving back to the community,” junior Samira Shirazi said. “I am happy to be able to benefit the children at Children’s National.”

On Saturday, March 8, the club hosted a car wash at the Redeemer Church in McLean. This was McDance-a-Thon’s second car wash this year, and the traditionally successful fundraiser did not disappoint.

“The car wash was such a great experience, and I loved working with other club members,” junior Keely Solomon said. “It was a great success, and it felt really good to raise money for such a heartwarming cause.”

The club executives have also been organizing raffles as an incentive for their members to raise money. At the end of February, they held a raffle for free Cyclebar classes, and this week, they are holding one for tickets to a Washington Wizards game. The more money members raise, the more entry tickets they receive.

“I feel incentivized to raise money because they hold raffles for things we like,” junior Addison Ward said. “It makes me feel good because I am raising money for the kids.”