UDance returned to the Bob Carpenter Center on Sunday, April 23, and students raised money to fight childhood cancer.

UDance 2023 raises more than $1.7 million

Article by Amy Wolf Photos by Evan Krape and Kathy F. Atkinson April 24, 2023

UD students cap year-long fundraising effort with dance marathon at the Bob Carpenter Center

Editor’s note: The 17th annual 12-hour dance marathon known as UDance was capped off Sunday night, April 23, with student organizers announcing that $1,784,082.81 was raised to help fight against childhood cancer.

The text below was published on Friday, April 21, in advance of the event.

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UDance, the largest student-run philanthropic organization at the University of Delaware, will hold its 17th annual 12-hour dance marathon on Sunday, April 23, at the Bob Carpenter Center to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer.

UDance is a yearlong fundraising effort that culminates with the annual dance marathon, which runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The main sources of fundraising come from email campaigns and online donations through its secure fundraising site.

All proceeds benefit the Wilmington-based Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, which was founded by the McDonough family in memory of their son, Andrew, who passed away from Leukemia in 2007. This organization gets its name from Andrew’s blood type (B+) and it works to spread the “B+” (Be Positive) message, encouraging all to “Live Like Andrew” in positivity.

The B+ Foundation supports families of children with cancer nationwide and funds critical childhood cancer research.

“The B+ Foundation, while being a national leader in providing financial assistance, is really driven by the success of the students at the University of Delaware,” said Joe McDounough, who is president of the B+ Foundation, a UD alumnus, half of a Double Del, father of a UD alumna and former adjunct professor. “UDance is our largest event, and it's really the engine of growth for the foundation and determines how much we're going to be able to help. These students are truly changing the world, and I'm so appreciative.”

UDance is a registered student organization and members introduce the group to new students during 1743 Welcome Days prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

The UDance executive board encourages all students across campus to get involved through many different programs and opportunities throughout the year. In 2022, more than 6,600 students affiliated with Registered Student Organizations, athletic teams, Greek life and residence halls participated in UDance.

All students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are welcome to attend the dance marathon. Attendees can sign up as individuals or join a team.

Adam Bungarden, co-executive director of UDance, said seeing the community rally together is his favorite part of the event.

“Seeing college kids who come from different backgrounds and are involved in many different things on and off campus all come together for one cause is super exciting,” he said. “It's just very fulfilling to see. There's just nothing quite like it, and the energy and the excitement around all of that is super fun to organize.”

Last year, UDance returned to the Bob Carpenter Center for the first fully in-person 12-hour dance marathon since the COVID-19 pandemic and raised $1.81 million. To date, supporters of UDance have raised over $16.5 million for the fight against childhood cancer.

“It's so great to see so many college students so passionate about the cause and dancing to end childhood cancer,” said Abby Rindfleish, media engagement and website chair on UDance’s executive board. “I am so proud to be part of this organization. The relationships that we've made with the families that we've been able to help are so inspiring and make it so special and worthwhile to be involved in. You can truly see the difference that UD students are making. It's just so meaningful.”

Student groups that raise money for the B+ Foundation throughout the year are paired with B+ Heroes, children who are survivors of or are currently battling cancer.

“So many people focus on the end of the day, when the fundraising total is revealed. To me, the magic happens at three o'clock when we celebrate the B+ Heroes themselves,” McDonough said. “We bring all the kids up on stage with the groups that they're paired with — fraternities, sororities, sports teams, student groups — and we recognize these kids, and it really reminds us what this is all about.”