We attribute the essence of NOVAdance to 12 hours of dancing, fundraising and school spirit that come together to raise money to fight pediatric cancer. However, this fight among Villanova students is year-round rather than limited to the period when the main event is taking place. The ultimate fundraising goal is not feasible to achieve within the main event’s short timeframe.
Instead, Villanova students rely on numerous special days throughout the year to spark fundraising, and they open their pages months in advance to begin raising funds. Not only does this showcase the advertising power of students throughout the semester, but it also demonstrates that the care surrounding NOVAdance goes beyond a short fundraiser and reflects a tone set on campus about the importance of the cause to our community.
On Feb. 17, the NOVADance Committee held its annual NOVAdance vs. UDance Day. This initiative had our university facing off against the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation chapter at the University of Delaware. The goal was for Villanova to raise more money than Delaware within 24 hours. Whoever won not only got bragging rights but also a bonus donation from the foundation itself. This year, VU’s goal was to raise $100,000, which helped Villanova move toward its ultimate fundraising goal.
Additionally, the Committee held a “No Zeroes for Our Heroes” event this week, at which anyone with a zero on their fundraising page was encouraged to remove it. Whether it was raising a few dollars or a few hundred, the goal was to ensure that every person with a page through an organization raised some amount of money. This advertising tool is not tied to the actual dance marathon itself but rather its own fundraising entity under the NOVAdance umbrella.
These initiatives demonstrate how Villanova fundraises for NOVAdance and consistently advertises the event, not just in March when it occurs. NOVAdance events and fundraising begin in the fall and continue through the marathon. I think that this consistent advertising by Villanova students is what makes the event so successful. There is a constant commitment to raising awareness through fun events sparked by different ideas and situations, depending on the time of year, and help everyone find their “why” for their fundraising.
Alexandra Schuster, a senior and hero liaison, explained that NOVAdance is more than a single annual event. It is a year-long commitment to awareness, participation and philanthropy.
“The dedication that Villanova has for the B+ Foundation shows how much the organization means to us,” Schuster said. “There are several opportunities to contribute and participate beyond just fundraising that allow people to show their support.”
The initiative engages students in multiple ways, from volunteering to event planning to hosting their own fundraisers, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to be involved in the fight against pediatric cancer.
This continual engagement reflects a broader culture of care and dedication within the Villanova community. By providing consistent opportunities for students to participate, the NOVAdance Committee nurtures a campus-wide culture of giving, empathy and leadership. Students are not just participants. Members are advocates, organizers and ambassadors for a cause that extends well beyond the walls of the university. The combination of structured fundraising campaigns, creative events and the marathon itself ensures that the momentum for NOVAdance never stops.
Ultimately, the success of NOVAdance lies not only in the 12-hour dance marathon and fundraising but also in the sustained commitment of Villanova students throughout the year. Their efforts demonstrate that advocacy for pediatric cancer is not limited to one day or one event but is an ongoing mission supported by creativity, collaboration and passion. Through year-round fundraising initiatives, friendly competitions and widespread campus engagement, Villanova students embody a dedication that is both inspiring and impactful. Their work serves as a model for how a college community can transform a single event into a year-long movement, not only raising funds but also awareness, compassion and hope for children affected by cancer.
