Coyotes for a Cause: Dakotathon Surpasses $2M Donation Milestone
Nearly three decades after joining the Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon movement in the late 1990s, USD’s Dakotathon has reached a remarkable milestone—surpassing $2 million in donations for children’s healthcare.
Dakotathon is a student-led organization that builds on a legacy of service, which has transformed the lives of countless children and families while inspiring generations of Coyotes to make a difference.
In its early years, Dakotathon centered on a 24-hour dance marathon, but it has since become a year-round philanthropic initiative focusing on fundraising, community outreach, sponsorship and leadership development. It has become one of the largest student-run philanthropies in South Dakota, raising millions of dollars to support Sanford Children’s Hospital and local families across the region. This year, Dakotathon raised a total of $122,301.29, with 369 students participating.
“Dakotathon’s fundraising efforts have directly supported children all over the state of South Dakota, who receive lifesaving care and treatment at the Sanford Children’s Castle in Sioux Falls,” said Evan Payer, a USD senior in accounting and vice president of finance for Dakotathon. “It’s become a major tradition at USD that brings students together through leadership, service and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.”
Making a difference in the lives of others takes many forms, as students can become involved in Dakotathon through marketing, leadership, finance, recruitment, event planning and organizational management roles. Coordination of the event takes place throughout the entire year and involves a large amount of planning, communication and teamwork among students, executive members, committees, sponsors, the university and Children’s Miracle Network families.
One of the biggest undertakings for the organization is preparing for “push weeks,” which are major fundraising and awareness weeks leading up to the main event. During this time, students reach out to sponsors and develop fundraising challenges, restaurant partnerships, social media campaigns and campus events to increase donations and participation. From fraternities to athletic teams, the Coyote community and the Vermillion area join together for the cause.
“The whole campus becomes heavily involved in helping promote Dakotathon and in encouraging others to support the cause,” said Ava Mousel, a USD senior in medical biology and student executive director for the Dakotathon. “The overwhelming help from the Vermillion community and its businesses also shows unconditional support, as they provide partnerships, event spaces and generous donations to help Dakotathon continue to make a lasting impact.”
On the big day, Dakotathon unveils the result of months of preparation and coordination. Executive boards and committee leaders work together to assign responsibilities and create detailed timelines. Others spend hours organizing schedules, entertainment, fundraising totals, decorations, activities, food, volunteer coordination and more to ensure the event runs smoothly.
The event also relies on student involvement outside of Dakotathon members, as hundreds of students participate in fundraising activities.
“Dakotathon’s success comes from the collective effort of students who are passionate about philanthropy,” said Mousel. “It allows students to lead with compassion, build meaningful relationships and create positive change beyond campus.”
The Heart Behind the Fundraising
Building on this collaborative spirit, students stay connected to Dakotathon’s mission within the Children’s Miracle Network families, with those relationships often becoming a lasting and meaningful part of the experience.
Throughout the year, students have opportunities to meet “Miracle Families,” hear their stories and learn firsthand about the challenges they have faced. These interactions make the fundraising more tangible, enabling students to see exactly who they are helping and the impact their efforts have made on others.
In turn, Miracle Families get the chance to celebrate milestones and see the community that has rallied around them by attending USD campus activities, push weeks, Miracle Family dinners and other opportunities throughout the year. They share updates on their journeys and continue to be an important part of the Dakotathon community—all while feeling supported, appreciated and connected.
According to Jesse Loving, a USD senior in accounting and finance and the hospitality chairman for the Dakotathon, one of the biggest reasons for the organization’s continued growth is the personal connection students build with the Children’s Miracle Network families and the children they’re helping support.
“One of the most important aspects of the Dakotathon is the involvement of Miracle Families who share their stories and spend time with students, reminding everyone of why they are fundraising,” said Loving. “From hospital visits and getting to meet ‘Miracle Kids’ at events and meetings, the Dakotathon team and its supporters make sure to remember what we are raising money for and the importance of giving 110% of our effort to this cause. It takes on a greater meaning when students know the children and families who benefit from their efforts.”
Those relationships serve as a reminder of the impact behind every dollar raised and help put the organization’s long history of fundraising into perspective.
“Surpassing the milestone of $2 million raised is not only impactful for the 2026 Dakotathon organization, but for every individual who has supported the organization throughout the years,” said Payer. “It represents 29 years of compassion, leadership and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of local children and families.”
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