All of the money raised benefits the Children’s Health Foundation (CHF) in Oklahoma City through the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals. The Children’s Health Foundation works wonders for sick kids by funding life-saving medical research, investing in vital new equipment, and providing some amazing entertainment, family support and care programs for sick kids at the OU Children's Hospital, the only level 1 trauma center in the state of Oklahoma. CHF understands the importance of family during a child’s treatment, and strives to make sure that no child ever has to leave the state of Oklahoma to receive the best medical care possible.
The student body of the University of Oklahoma has decided to come together for one reason, and that is to support the kids. We are here to provide an atmosphere that is fun and safe for them, a time in their hospital driven years where they can lose control and laugh free of worry. Not only do we want to support our Miracle Families with the research and doctors our fundraising allows, but also by providing events where they can step outside the hospital walls and enjoy the opportunity of just being a kid.
1996
OU Dance Marathon was originally founded by Daniel Pullin.
From 2000-2004, OU Dance Marathon was run by OU IFC and Panhellenic.
2004
OUDM was adopted by Campus Activities Council (CAC) as the organizations official philanthropy, and this changed the culture of OU Dance Marathon forever!
2010
OU Dance Marathon began to take our first steps toward change by raising $30,000.
What a milestone!
2011
OUDM managed to more than double the annual total to $72,000, igniting a fire for change!
2012
The day of event changed from a 6-hour event to a 12-hour dance marathon. This marked our biggest year by raising $105,379.27!
2013
We rebranded to Soonerthon.
In our first year with a new name, we raised $196,034.62.
2014
As our momentum grew, our growth continued with an annual total of $318,711.14!
2015
Soonerthon made OU history by eclipsing the half-million dollar mark and raising $561,268.15!
2016
We raised an annual total of $721,941.16. This made Soonerthon the largest student led philanthropy at OU, developed us into a Top 15 Dance Marathon nationwide, and made us the #1 program in the Big Xll.
2017
Soonerthon raised $808,021.17 and continued to be a Top 15 Dance Marathon nationwide. Soonerthon also became the largest donor to the Oklahoma Children's Hospital.
2018
Soonerthon hit one of its biggest milestones, raising $1,004,970.18. We were able to join an elite group of Dance Marathons who have raised over $1,000,000 called the Extra Comma Club.
2019
We raised $900,226.19 as our annual total, remaining the largest donor to the Oklahoma Children's Hospital.
2020
We raised $1,033,102.20 as our annual total.
We also received the 2020 Community Engagement Award from the Children's Miracle Network.
2021
Our organization worked hard to continue fundraising amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, innovating solutions to keep the event safe for all, raising $775,268.21.
Soonerthon was also rebranded back to OU Dance Marathon.
2022
Following our rebranding and moving towards a stabilization following the COVID-19 pandemic, we raised an annual total of $735,214.22.
