Dance Marathon not a battleground

I want to address a proposal a student made in the IDS concerning Dance Marathon ("Administration should appreciate greeks' activities," Oct. 3). A suggestion was made that the greek system should avoid participating in Dance Marathon to receive recognition from the administration. This is both disappointing and ineffective.\n Dance Marathon was founded to memorialize Ryan White, a Riley patient, and to donate money to Riley Hospital for Children. Since 1991, Dance Marathon has donated over $1 million to Riley, helping to make a difference in the lives of children.\nDance Marathon does not promote the boycotting of our organization, or any other campus organization, to gain the administration's attention. Administrators are extremely supportive of us, and by extension, supportive of anyone involved in Dance Marathon; however, it's important to note that our organization is student-run. The administration isn't recognized for our fund-raising efforts or the work we do for Riley. If organizations want to present many checks to Riley instead of one check from Dance Marathon, the administration isn't affected. It's not President Myles Brand who receives recognition from Riley. It's students.\nDance Marathon is fortunate to receive support from many organizations. The greek system has tremendous enthusiasm for Dance Marathon, and for that, I am grateful. They donate much time, energy and persons to our cause, but independent organizations and residence halls are also a huge part of the efforts. Our total donation raised is the result of thousands of students' participation, not one particular group. A multitude of greek and non-greek organizations dance to provide hope and inspiration to sick children. Dance Marathon isn't a battleground for students and administrators -- it's about kids!\nThere are many ways to attract the administration's attention. Disparaging Dance Marathon for personal recognition isn't one of them. For those who support such a measure, can you look into the eyes of a Riley child and tell him he's not going to receive a life-saving operation because you're trying to make a statement to IU administrators? I cannot, and I sincerely hope I never meet anyone who can.