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We dance for her, we wear her initials on our IUDM apparel, and we support her brothers’ efforts to carry on his sister’s name, but what do the initials ALC really mean?
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It’s well known how hundreds of IU students fundraise all year long for IU Dance Marathon, which last November donated a staggering $2.6M for the kids at Riley Hospital for Children. What may be a little less familiar, however, is how much of that IUDM total comes from high school dance marathons across the state. In fact, last year high school dance marathons across the state of Indiana have raised a record $466,999.90! An entire IUDM committee, Marathon Relations, manages IUDM’s affiliations with the high school marathons. “Weeks up until the marathons we mentor the schools and help to plan each of their marathons. At the marathon itself we teach the line dance, bring as much DM energy and spirit as we can, recruit high schoolers to participate in DM at the collegiate level, and connect with as many students as possible. We do everything we can to make each marathon whatever that specific school wants it to be. These marathons belong to the high schools and we always want to help their students to have the best time possible, while giving them the chance to find their love in dance marathon,” Michelle Turchan, Director of Marathon Relations and IU junior, said. Turchan graduated from Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana, which hosted their first high school dance marathon in 2006, benefitting Riley Hospital for Children. Carmel Dance Marathon was started in honor of former Student Body President Ashley Crouse, who was an Executive Committee member of IUDM when she tragically passed away in a car accident on April 12th, 2005. Carmel Dance Marathon has since grown to become the largest high school marathon in the nation, raising $324,597.54 at their most recent marathon in February 2014. “Carmel Dance Marathon (CDM) has grown in attendance and popularity among the students in the school. It has become a year-round effort rather than an isolated event. It has become more than an event for those involved. It has become a lifestyle and a mindset of service to others,” student government advisor Sarah Wolff said. “I think that kids this age are looking for a reason or a venue to do something outside of themselves. Dance Marathon provides that for them. I think that genuinely kids ‘get it’: what it means to live for others and help those less fortunate than you, and that it can be fun and fulfilling at the same time.” Carmel Dance Marathon wouldn’t exist or be what it is today without IU Dance Marathon and Ashley Crouse, and similarly, IUDM wouldn’t be the same without the continual support and involvement from the students at Carmel High School and other marathons around the state. “Our donations go to IUDM due to our connection with Ashley Crouse. Many CDM alumni participate in and go on to lead IUDM in the future. IUDM helps facilitate CDM and assist in any way possible, from helping serve food at the marathon to providing the line dance,” Wolff said. “After participating in Carmel Dance Marathon for 4 years I knew I wanted to become a part of IUDM… My freshman year of high school I particularly remember talking to an IUDM student at our marathon and being in awe. Every year after that I thought it was the coolest thing in the world to see IUDM at our marathon. I loved everything about the fact that they took time on their Saturday to come to Carmel DM. I knew that without them I wouldn’t have had the chance to love dance marathon as much as I did. When the time came to go out for a committee I wanted to be a part of Marathon Relations because I wanted to give that same opportunity to someone that’s in high school now. I knew I owed it to them. Now as the Director of Marathon Relations, our high school students are a big part of 'why I dance'. They are my inspiration. The work I put in is for them, for I know that someone put in the same work when I was a high school student and gave me the chance to find my love in dance marathon. Thinking that my committee and I can bring that DM passion to our high school students gives me the inspiration to keep going,” Turchan said. High school marathons generally mirror IUDM’s structure, just on a smaller scale, with Riley speakers, high-energy activities, food, and a shortened version of the IU line dance. Most high school marathons span 4-9 hours in comparison to IUDM’s 36. High school students who are interested in starting a dance marathon at their school should reach out to [email protected]. Wolff’s advice on venturing into a dance marathon: “Take a risk. It will be worth it. It will be hard work, but extremely rewarding. Start small and work gradually to bigger things long-term. It isn’t a sprint, it is a marathon.” Written By Meredith Baranowski
Although it’s been five years since Casey Crouse participated in IU Dance Marathon as a student, his passion for the cause and Riley Hospital for Children continues burning strong. On Sept. 7, the 2009 IUDM president will compete in an Ironman in Madison, Wis. The money he raises through the race will go straight towards the 2014 IUDM total. Casey said he’s been competing in triathlons for three years and always wanted to step up to an Ironman distance. To train, he said he’s been swimming, running and biking “a lot” as well as taking part in other races. The Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and marathon run. But for Casey, the Ironman is much more than a race. It’s an opportunity to raise money For The Kids and spread awareness of Riley and IUDM. It’s also an opportunity honor and spread his sister Ashley’s legacy. Ashley Louise Crouse was killed in a tragic car accident in 2005 while serving on the IUDM executive council. To honor her caring spirit and positive influence, all IUDM apparel bears her initials, “ALC”, and the marathon is dedicated in her memory. “The entire (Ironman) fundraiser is open to anyone to be connected to Riley and with IUDM and just provide an avenue to give back,” Casey said. Casey’s goal is $50,000. So far, he’s raised $24,100. “I’m really appreciative of everything,” he said. “It’s all about just staying connected to DM. That’s my entire goal. It’s very comforting to know that I can be connected and help as an alumni.” To learn more and support Casey’s efforts, visit iudm.org/imforash. He also shares updates on his training through Facebook as well as Twitter and Instagram @caseycrouse with the hashtag #IMforAsh. Casey said even a little support - whether it’s donating money or simply spreading the word about IUDM and Ashley’s legacy – can make a big difference for his efforts, and of course, For The Kids. “Not everyone has the funds to give, but everyone can at least give the time and effort to this cause,” he said. “I’ll be out there doing everything I can.” Written by Alyssa Schor
All last week, IUDM remembered and celebrated the lives of Ryan White and Ashley Louise Crouse. Everything culminated Friday afternoon with the annual “Walk to Remember”, where IUDM committee members joined together for a walk around campus, similar to what was done following Ashley’s untimely death in 2005. It was a picture-perfect day, with sunny skies and temperatures in the low 70s. Committee members hugged, reunited and took pictures with their own committees and with friends on other committees as they waited for the walk to start. Students could sign posters, writing down what they think of when they thought of Ryan and Ashley. Those posters will be given to the White and Crouse families to show that their legacies live on through IUDM. Before the walk actually began, Chris Holland president of the IUDM Alumni Board, told everyone that one of the things that makes IUDM so special is the community it creates. We were walking to remember Ashley as a member of our family. The walk began in front of the Kappa Kappa Gamma house, where Ashley was a member and very close to where the tragic accident occurred. From Kappa, we walked from Third Street to North Jordan Avenue and continued all the way up Jordan, past all the Greek houses and through the Jordan extension. Once we reached the end of the extension, we took Fee Lane to 10th Street and came down Woodlawn Avenue. We walked around the Indiana Memorial Union and past the Sample Gates before turning down the final stretch of Third Street and returning to the Kappa house. My favorite part about the walk (well, besides the exercise) was reconnecting with old friends and getting to know a few members of my own committee a little bit more. It took about 90 minutes to complete the walk, but with the beautiful weather and members of the IUDM family by my side, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Written By Alyssa Schor
When Ashley Louise Crouse’s life was tragically taken by a drunk driver, the IU community mourned her loss. Fast-forward nine years, and her spirit still strongly lives on through the work of IUDM. On April 12th, the anniversary of her heartbreaking accident, there was no better way to honor Ashley then to run or walk in remembrance for her, for Ryan and For the Kids. The 2nd annual FT5K run/walk brought many IU students, Bloomington community members and even state wide participation to the red tailgating lot on Saturday morning. To help community members who were not aware of IUDM to understand the mission of the organization, the Ditz family was invited to speak the morning of the event. Their story, like many other families, highlighted how Riley Hospital for Children changed their lives. A brand new course design, prizes and entertainment are a few examples of the changes that took place to make the FT5K a continuing and successful event. After the participants traveled down Fee Lane, up Jordan Avenue and down the Jordan extension, they were greeted at the finish line with ice-cold water, bagels, and fruit. Participants were then encouraged to watch some of the musically talented IUDM committee members perform on stage as well as help congratulate the top three male and top three female finishers as they received their prizes. The unusually high temperatures and clear skies brightened the atmosphere to the already joyful attitudes of participants who ran and walked. With the FT5K being a stepping-stone for the marathon in the fall, it gave a clear indication into the organization’s drive to make this marathon the best one yet. Written by Maddie Wojtalewicz Nine years ago, on April 12, 2005, the Indiana University campus suffered a tremendous loss. Ashley Louise Crouse, a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and IUDM Executive Council, became our angel. On her way home from her IUDM meeting, Ashley was struck by a drunk driver outside of her Kappa home. For those who knew Ashley, they will always remember her warm smile, welcoming personality and passion for life. As VP of Communications on the IUDM Executive Council, Ashley worked hard for a cause she believes in. Ashley's hometown of Carmel, Indiana has joined with IUDM to create one of the most successful high school dance marathons in the country. We honor her life and the way she lived by wearing her initials, ALC, on all IUDM apparel and literature. When you see Ashley's initials, remember to live each day to it's fullest and to never stop reaching for your dreams. Her legacy will continue to live on our hearts and minds. |
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