The second “For The Kids Day,” hosted by Mizzou Dance Marathon, will take place Saturday.
The day invites MU students and members of the community to purchase wristbands for $10, allowing them to get discounts and deals around Columbia.
In 2011, its inaugural year, FTK Day raised about $2,000 for the MU Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Their goal for this year is to raise $3,000.
Last year, the dance marathon raised more than $78,000 in total for the hospital.
“It all stays right here in Columbia,” fundraising committee chairwoman Alli Inglebright said.
Thirty businesses participated last year. This year, members of the committee increased that number to 36. Businesses include bars, restaurants and retailers such as Harpo’s, The Rome and Britches.
“It’s a way for families and the community that aren’t interested in dancing in MDM to participate and get involved and still give back to the hospital,” MDM Executive Director Annie Bastida said.
Some businesses will offer discounts and deals on products while others are donating profits back to MDM. Battle Creek Paintball in Kingdom City is offering free paintball equipment rentals and will donate 10 percent of profits back to the children’s hospital.
“I found out about this and I thought it was fantastic,” Battle Creek Paintball manager Ben Watkins said. “We haven’t been involved much in the local community. I personally feel it’s important to support opportunities within the local community.”
Bastida said MDM had sold 75 wristbands at the time of press. She said the organization sells the majority of the wristbands on FTK Day. Members of the MDM committee will be selling bracelets Saturday morning at both MU Department of Physical Therapy 5K and 10K runs, beginning at Lewis Hall, and in downtown Columbia.
The Mizzou Dance Marathon is scheduled for March 9-10. The fundraiser works with the Children’s Miracle Network to raise money for the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the children’s hospital.
