WKU turned out in force Friday as students, families and volunteers came together to celebrate and raise funds for Norton Children’s Hospital.
More than 750 dancers filled Preston Center for Dance Big Red 2026, an annual student-run fundraiser that supports pediatric cardiology and oncology at Norton Children’s Hospital. The night featured testimonials, a red-carpet entrance for superhero kids, giveaways and raffles, and raising a total of $141,555.32. For many participants, the evening’s impact was personal.
“It is so refreshing just to see this generation of students all come together for such a good cause,” said Molly Ann Daniel, the event’s long-time advisor.
Organizers described a night packed with games, fundraising pushes, a superhero family showcase and a final “rave hour” to keep energy high during the six-hour event. Brooke Hamilton, a senior studying communication sciences and disorders, highlighted the range of activities planned, including fundraising events, dance parties, complimentary dinners, and competitions among different color teams.
“It’s six hours of their Friday, but these are entire patients’ lives,” Hamilton said.
Families who rely on Norton Children’s for specialized care stood center stage as honorees.
“Getting to come to an event like this where your child is celebrated is absolutely priceless,” said Shelly Lowe, mother of a participant who switched care to Norton in 2020.
“These students are amazing,” she said. “They give a lot of hope for the future.”
Fundraising co-chair and senior majoring in marketing, Sophie Antle, said all money raised goes directly to the hospital and has funded equipment purchases and family support in past years.
“I want participants to remember the families and the impact that they’re having on them. Just by showing up.” Antle said.
Students described recruitment tactics that include outreach to registered student organizations and Greek organizations, social media pushes and incentives such as color-team competitions.
Mercury Durrtett, a journalism major, came to Dance Big Red representing Omega Phi Alpha.
“I always wanted to help my local community as much as I can,” Durrett said.
Organizers said they hope Dance Big Red will keep growing.
“We are the largest student-run organization on campus, and we really are proud of that.” Daniel said. “My hope is we keep growing and continue to have more and more students involved.”
Organizers plan to open executive board applications in the coming weeks and encourage students to join committees next fall to sustain momentum into 2027.
