Seattle University Dance Marathon (SUDM) has pledged to raise $50,000 for uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital, a fund that provides medical care for children, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

SUDM is a fundraising guild for Seattle Children’s Hospital and a branch of nationwide youth-led philanthropy through Children’s Miracle Network. The organization, led by 12 students, has raised more than $125,000 for Children’s uncompensated care since its establishment. Begun 7 years ago, SUDM has grown from a small student organization to a campus-wide movement raising tens of thousands to support kids and their families.  It is the third largest Dance Marathon of its kind on the West Coast, and the largest in the Seattle area. In addition, it is Seattle University’s largest student philanthropy.

Many are taking note of the organization’s success and its embodiment of Seattle University’s social justice mission. Last year the Seattle Children’s Hospital Guild Association selected SUDM from more than 450 guilds as the recipient of its highest honor, the Chairman’s Award for Excellence.

The organization’s annual signature event occurs on February 22, 2014. More than 325 student fundraisers are expected to attend, each of whom will pledge to remain standing or otherwise actively participating for 16 hours straight, 10am-2am, to honor patients at Seattle Children’s who cannot take a break from their illnesses. “We imagine a world of wellness, inspire a community of hope, and we impact children and families through uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital” says the group’s mission statement. “We believe that no family should feel alone in their fight against a pediatric illness, and no child should be kept from the medical care they need to live a fulfilled life because of money.”