Sem Dance Marathon is all about the ‘Miracle children’

KINGSTON — More than 200 young people donned hot pink T-shirts and dancing shoes Saturday at Wyoming Seminary’s Carpenter Athletic Center to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.

The Sem Dance Marathon — For the Kids was six hours of not simply dance, but Zumba, karaoke and a moon bounce, with children from the Children’s Miracle Network on hand to provide inspiration.

Seven-year-old Carter Mattucci, whose congenital heart condition has meant three heart surgeries and much time spent at the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, spoke a shy “thank you” to the crowd as the microphone was set in front of him.

His mother, Heather Mattucci, was overwhelmed by the efforts of high school students to raise money to benefit seriously ill children at the hospital.

Student organizer and senior Molly Leahy, who has participated in the event for four years, said it was a “pivotal part of my Sem experience.”

Leahy and others started planning the event in September, first reviewing what worked best last year and what might be improved on for this year.

One of the new elements was participants receiving hospital bracelets that are removed at day’s end by “Miracle children” who are on the road to recovery after serious illnesses.

Kate Billmeyer​, of Janet Weis Children’s Hospital pediatric services, said removal of the bracelets represents children getting better, leaving the hospital and moving forward in their lives.

Senior Emily Matthews volunteered to man the face-painting table, even though she had never done it before.

“When we saw those kids, you want to help even in a small way,” said Matthews.

During the event, participants learned a multi-part “Morale Dance” that they later performed in unison.

‘So impressed’​

Billmeyer said the dance marathon is the only one like it being held by high school students.

“I was so impressed by the students,” she said. “They are the next generation of philanthropists.”

Billmeyer said she hoped that students involved in the dance marathon would remain involved in such events when they entered college, encouraging them to always “pay it forward.”

Organizers set a $25,000 goal that was exceeded even before the music started, with additional donations expected.

The marathon, now a school tradition, raised more than $125,000 over the past seven years.

Students attending the Sem Dance Marathon fundraiser had a chance to have fun in the Wrecking Ball bounce house Saturday at the school’s Carpenter Athletic Center.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_Sem-DM-2-1.jpgStudents attending the Sem Dance Marathon fundraiser had a chance to have fun in the Wrecking Ball bounce house Saturday at the school’s Carpenter Athletic Center. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

Tyler Wood, left, and Ashley Metz, both Seminary freshmen, try to run an RC car around the track during Saturday’s festivities that were part of the Sem Dance Marathon to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_Sem-DM-3-1.jpgTyler Wood, left, and Ashley Metz, both Seminary freshmen, try to run an RC car around the track during Saturday’s festivities that were part of the Sem Dance Marathon to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

Carter Mattucci, 7, of Mount Carmel, had fun in the bounce house while being an honored guest at Wyoming Seminary’s dance marathon to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. Mattucci suffers from a congenital heart condition.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_Sem-DM-5-1.jpgCarter Mattucci, 7, of Mount Carmel, had fun in the bounce house while being an honored guest at Wyoming Seminary’s dance marathon to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. Mattucci suffers from a congenital heart condition. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

Allyson Tevin, 11, of Schuylkill Haven, front row, left, was one of the honored guests at Wyoming Seminary’s dance marathon to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network on Saturday. Tevin benefited from money raised while being treated for leukemia at Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_Sem-DM-4-1.jpgAllyson Tevin, 11, of Schuylkill Haven, front row, left, was one of the honored guests at Wyoming Seminary’s dance marathon to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network on Saturday. Tevin benefited from money raised while being treated for leukemia at Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

Molly Leahy, Wyoming Seminary senior, far left, student organizer of the Sem Dance Marathon for the Kids held to benefit Children’s Miracle Network, thanks students for attending the even held on Saturday. Student hope to surpass the goal of $25,000. Allyson Tevin, Children’s Miracle Network benefactor, Allyson Tevin, right, teal shirt, was an honored guest of the fundraiser. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_Sem-DM.web_.jpgMolly Leahy, Wyoming Seminary senior, far left, student organizer of the Sem Dance Marathon for the Kids held to benefit Children’s Miracle Network, thanks students for attending the even held on Saturday. Student hope to surpass the goal of $25,000. Allyson Tevin, Children’s Miracle Network benefactor, Allyson Tevin, right, teal shirt, was an honored guest of the fundraiser. Tony Callaio | For Times LeaderTony Callaio | For Times Leader