WKU’s Dance Big Red breaks record once again, raising over $141,000 for Norton Children’s Hospital
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Thanks to Western Kentucky University students and the community, local kids will have even more access to quality care.
According to Norton Children’s Hospital, more than 750 students raised over $141,000 through Dance Big Red, an annual student-led dance marathon benefiting Norton Children’s. The marathon took place over the weekend at Raymond B. Preston Health & Activities Center.
In addition, more than 200 special guests, including sponsors, families and community members, attended the Community/Dance Little Red Hour to support the student dancers.
“The main event was a night I will always remember for so many reasons. There is nothing like the feeling of seeing our local Norton kids and their families at DBR and knowing we are all there so they can have hope for a better future,” said Maggie Blair, co-chair, Dance Big Red. “Holding up over $141,000 was a dream and truly a combined effort of our team, our university and our community all coming together for something bigger than ourselves. I am forever thankful for everyone involved and can’t wait to see what the future holds for Dance Big Red!”
Dance Big Red has held various fundraising events over the past year and worked in partnership with Warren County Public Schools’ Dance Little Red, Dance Middle Red and various Dance Mini Reds. Student leaders organized campus-wide outreach efforts and met with Norton Children’s patients and families to learn about their journeys.
“Dance Big Red’s record-breaking year speaks to the remarkable heart and leadership of WKU students,” said Molly Ann Daniel, coordinator, foundation events, Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Together, they have raised nearly $1 million since the event began — a milestone celebrated during a night filled with stories that uplift and inspire. I am so proud of every student who worked hard to make March 6 a roaring success.”
“Dance Big Red is a terrific example of what we strive to teach every day at WKU,” said Timothy C. Caboni, president, Western Kentucky University. “We want our students to graduate prepared to make a good living. But just as importantly, we want them to graduate ready to build a good life — a life defined by service, generosity and leadership.”
Norton Children’s received nearly 33,000 patient visits from south-central Kentucky in 2025. As demand for specialized pediatric care continues to grow, Norton Children states it is committed to investing in the region and bringing pediatric care closer to home. Donations from the community and events such as Dance Big Red support Norton Children’s mission of providing care to all kids.
The event is possible due to the dedication of volunteers and support of sponsors. Presenting sponsors included WNKY, WUHU 107 and The Beaver 106.3, along with Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green. Additional top-tier sponsors include WKU Campus Recreation and Wellness, South Central Bank, Franklin Bank and Trust Co., Meltdown, Hillvue Heights Church, Fruit of the Loom and Graves Gilbert Clinic.
For a full list of sponsors or to donate to Dance Big Red, visit DanceBigRed.com.
