If you’re a student at the University of Tennessee, you may remember that one night in the spring where 300 students, community members, and kids gathered in the T Rec workout center and danced from night to the wee hours of the morning. 

"Why are these people staying up all night dancing?” you may have asked yourself.  Well, this is For The Kids at UTK-- the largest student run philanthropy on Tennessee's campus.

All proceeds raised towards For The Kids benefit East Tennessee Children’s Hospital’s Hematology and Oncology Clinic.  Children’s Hospital established an Open Door policy in 1937 that allows them to care for all children in need, regardless of the child’s race, religious beliefs, or their parents’ ability to pay for the treatments needed.  Over 77 years, the hospital has grown into a well-known regional pediatric center with over 140,000 patients from surrounding states, and the hospital has maintained the Open Door policy for that entire time. The policy would not be possible without donations or philanthropies like For The Kids at UTK.     

Students from all over UT’s campus join together to raise money 365 days a year to benefit FTK at UTK. They volunteer their time and host various events throughout the year , like Blitz Week, to raise awareness and money for their event in the spring.  During Blitz Week, the For the Kids at UTK Executive Board hosts bake sales, raffle off giveaway baskets, and make their presence known to the student body on Pedestrian Walkway, encouraging the students to sign up and get involved with FTK. 

FTK at UTK will be holding its event on March 27th this year. You can become a general member and join in on the many events throughout the year to continue the process of raising money for the children affected by childhood cancer by signing up at www. ftkutk.org. 

Lauren Wilhoite, a senior member in Chi Omega sorority, shares her experience over the past three years, “I’ve been involved with For The Kids since I was a freshman, and it’s just a really great organization to be a part of, especially once you see who you are benefitting at For The Kids.  Seeing the kids’ faces light up, even after dancing and staying up all night, make all the hard work worth it.”   

Be sure and keep up with what For The Kids at UTK is doing by following them at forthekidsatutk on Instagram and Twitter and at For The Kids at UTK on Facebook.