The 10 most influential stakeholders in RUDM 2019

Every year, for the past 21 years, the Rutgers University Dance Marathon (RUDM) brings together a dedicated community of fraternities, sororities, clubs, and friend groups to raise money for Embrace Kids Foundation. 

Some of the most involved fraternities and sororities rise above the others, helping to raise this year's record amount of money, fundraising $1,120,205.

RUDM first began when only 99 dancers participated to raise a total of $45,000. Now raising almost 25 times that amount, greek life is a major stakeholder in the competition to raise money for the Embrace Kids Foundation.

Below is a list of the top three fraternities and sororities that raised the most in this year’s RUDM.


1. Phi Sigma Sigma: $65,628

Jennifer Kim, a School of Arts and Sciences sophomore, recounts her experience with Dance Marathon as part of the social sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma. Her sorority helped her gather a group of sisters to dance together for 12 hours straight, without any breaks to sit.

“We were actually required to donate a large amount or participate. It was a great experience, knowing that money is for the kids,” she said.

2. Chi Psi: $64,955

Robert Smith, a School of Arts and Sciences first-year, said his experience with RUDM changed his college experience. Although he's just beginning college, Smith says he sees the future of his college career shaping through RUDM, watching upperclassmen dedicate themselves to the cause.

“I plan to continue being involved with RUDM every step of the way. It taught me how to have a community, all working toward a larger purpose,” he said. "It really inspired me."

3. Alpha Phi Omega: $50,833

Karlen Hailey, a School of Engineering junior, said, “I’m really glad that I joined APO. It helped me get connected with organizations like RUDM that I would never have been involved with otherwise. I’m happy APO pushes everyone to participate, almost like a requirement to charity.”

Hailey was appointed as one of the few student directors of the program, after having gone through four rounds of interviews the previous spring. This is her fourth and final year participating in RUDM.

Listed below are the remaining of the top 10 greek life organizations that raised the most amount of money to donate to Embrace Kids Foundation, taken from EmbraceKids.org.

4. Gamma Phi Beta
$44,350
5. Delta Gamma
$43,468
6. Omega Phi Alpha
$33,900
7. Zeta Tau Alpha
$32,594
8. Delta Sigma Pi
$28,550
9. Phi Mu
$27,476
10. Sigma Delta Tau
$26,066