Windermere Prep's 2nd Annual Lakerathon Raised $60,039.51

Windermere Prep’s second annual Lakerthon took place this last Saturday, February 1st for 6 hours in the Windermere Prep gym. There was lots of dancing, food, and playing games, and attendees got to hear from two miracle families whose children have been treated at Arnold and Winnie Palmer Hospitals. Participants stood for a total of 6 hours as a symbolization of standing for the kids in hospital beds who can’t stand for themselves. Opening ceremonies at the beginning of the night explained what Lakerthon was all about, which is raising money and spreading awareness for the kids in Arnold and Winnie Palmer Hospitals, part of the larger Dance Marathon movement helping Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals all across the country. Over 400 colleges participate in the Dance Marathon movement, with Knightthon at UCF being Lakerthon’s partner. Events included musical chairs, a hula hoop contest, a limbo contest, a morale dance every hour, Just Dance, bundt cakes, Flipper’s Pizza, Allen’s Ice Cream, lawn games, and so much more! At the end of the night, a lantern was released outside for Bella, an Arnold Palmer patient and a CMN miracle child, who passed away this past year. Closing ceremonies included cutting off the hospital bands that participants were given at the beginning of the night, as well as revealing the total amount of money that had been raised from the past few months. Students had been fundraising for Lakerthon since the start of the school year, selling bundt cakes, poinsettias, hosting spirit nights, and a spirit week leading up to the main event. Individuals who fundraised and corporate donors who had donated were recognized by CMN balloons on the bleachers. After an exciting evening, everyone gathered around to see the total reveal. It came to a grant total of $60,039.51, all going towards helping kids and giving them a fighting chance. WPS is certainly for the kids, and can’t wait for next year’s event!