LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky students surpassed fundraising expectations this weekend, raising a record-breaking $2,463,650.24 at the 21st annual DanceBlue marathon, according to the University of Kentucky News. The record haul brings DanceBlue’s cumulative fundraising total to more than $27 million since its 2006 founding. More than 700 UK students danced nonstop for 24 hours beginning Saturday evening at Rupp Arena, marking the first year the event relocated from its longtime home at Historic Memorial Coliseum. The marathon benefited the DanceBlue Hematology-Oncology Clinic at Golisano Children’s at UK, which provides specialized care for children facing cancer and blood disorders. “I’m overjoyed watching the reveal,” said Josie Bailey, DanceBlue overall chair. “It brings a deep sense of gratitude for the committee, the community and the clinic. More than anything, it is meaningful knowing that the funds raised will directly support the kids and the clinic.” The organization was founded in 2006 to honor the final wishes of Jarrett Mynear, a pediatric cancer patient who, despite battling multiple forms of cancer and an amputated leg, dedicated his short life to spreading joy to fellow patients. Before his death in 2002, Mynear created a philanthropic initiative called Jarrett’s Joy Cart. His mother, Jennifer Mynear, transformed his legacy into the student-led dance marathon with support from UK’s Office of Development. The relocation to Rupp Arena reflects DanceBlue’s growth as one of the fastest-growing collegiate fundraising events in the nation. Organization leaders hope the larger venue will accommodate more student participants as the event continues to expand. Dancers spent the entire academic year fundraising and earning spirit points to secure their spots in the no-sitting, no-sleeping marathon. Funds raised through DanceBlue benefit the Golden Matrix Fund, which provides direct support to clinic patients and families, funds pediatric cancer research through the UK Markey Cancer Center, and supports clinic operations. The clinic has evolved from a small facility to one of the top five pediatric oncology programs for its size nationally. “There’s a reason ‘Joy Prevails,’ and it’s because we’re all in this together,” said Morgan David, DanceBlue marketing chair. “The joy seeps through every level of this organization. There are so many other things college students could occupy their time with, yet we have volunteers in the clinic every single day.” This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from University of Kentucky News, enriched with 3 web searches. The original source is available at https://uknow.uky.edu/student-news/joy-prevails-danceblue-2026-raises-record-breaking-24-million. The post UK DanceBlue raises record $2.4 million for pediatric cancer clinic appeared first on The Lexington Times. ...read more read less