Accept the Challenge

BuckeyeThon, Ohio State's largest student-run philanthropy, has made an impact that has been incomparable to any other student organization on campus. For those who don't know, BuckeyeThon started in 2001 and had its' first signature event, the Dance Marathon, in 2002 raising funds for Nationwide Children's Hospital through the Children's Miracle Network. This program ensures that all children will be treated, regardless of the family's ability to pay. BuckeyeThon's funds more specifically impact the hematology/oncology floor, although BuckeyeThon celebrates all children who have been treated at Nationwide Children's.

In the past 5 years, BuckeyeThon has made tremendous strides, including doubling their total two years in a row and having the highest number of registered dancers in Children's Miracle Network history. This student organization, run like a small nonprofit, raised over half a million dollars last year and look to continuously increase.

In order to do so, BuckeyeThon plans to engage the community year-round, rather than at the Dance Marathon. Through social media and BuckeyeThon's website, the organization advertises their upcoming events, how to give and introduces the community to the kids they are impacting. This information, right at students' fingertips, gives them full access to the organization and encourages them to be a part of the BuckeyeThon family.

This week, in the world of BuckeyeThon, is called Push Week. It is one week a few months out from the Dance Marathon that "pushes" dancers to register to guarantee them a spot at the Dance Marathon. In order to inform dancers of the opportunity to register, phrases like #FTK, Accept the Challenge and BuckeyeThon are all over forms of social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

BuckeyeThon also has a marketing strategy where during Push Week they have their general body members wear a sign that has an "Ask me" phrase. This opens the door for prospective or current dancers to learn more about the cause, without feeling intimidated. Through BuckeyeThon's social media campaigns, they provide the opportunity for  dancers feel inspired and connected to the cause.

So it really all comes down to you. Are you willing to Accept the Challenge?