Dancing with Purpose

Sport is defined as an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or other for entertainment. Last weekend, students at Penn State University (PSU) added another wrinkle to the definition. In addition to entertainment (where there was plenty) they danced for the benefit of others. Over 700 dancers participated in the university's annual dance marathon, known as THON, to raise money for the Four Diamonds Fund. This organization funds research and helps families with expenses incurred during pediatric cancer treatment. Over 300 student organizations, 3,300 coordinators and 15,000 student volunteers came together to raise an incredible $7.5 million.


I liken THON weekend to Jerry Lewis' Labor Day weekend for Muscular Dystrophy. Though I wasn't there, my son detailed the event-the energy, entertainment and absolute desire to succeed. The dancers were required to dance for 46 hours, not only to raise the money, but to do something bigger than themselves. My son called us as he was leaving the event excited, tired but proud of his participation. He didn't dance, but he supported those who did. He was touched and impressed with a young man named Tucker Haas. He was diagnosed with cancer at 2 and has been in remission for three years. Follow this link to watch Tucker wow the crowd.


As we've talked about in this blog many times, linking actions to your purpose or something bigger than yourself will always create a better effort, sustain energy and focus, and bring greater satisfaction. What is your organization doing to create a sense of purpose? Without purpose, we tend to go through the motions. Almost everyone is looking for a link to a greater vision or mission.


I'm very pleased that the kids involved at Penn State understand there is more to life than school and socials. THON will be a life lesson to all, that their dancing had purpose.