WKU News

Thanks to Western Kentucky University students and the community, local kids will have even more access to quality care.

More than 750 students raised over $141,000 through Dance Big Red (DBR), an annual student-led dance marathon benefiting Norton Children’s. The marathon took place over the weekend at Raymond B. Preston Health & Activities Center. Additionally, more than 200 special guests, including sponsors, families and community members, attended the Community/Dance Little Red Hour to support the student dancers. 

“The main event was a night I will always remember for so many reasons. There is nothing like the feeling of seeing our local Norton kids and their families at DBR and knowing we are all there so they can have hope for a better future,” said Maggie Blair, co-chair, Dance Big Red. “Holding up over $141,000 was a dream and truly a combined effort of our team, our university and our community all coming together for something bigger than ourselves. I am forever thankful for everyone involved and can’t wait to see what the future holds for Dance Big Red!”

Dance Big Red has held various fundraising events over the past year and worked in partnership with Warren County Public Schools’ Dance Little Red, Dance Middle Red and various Dance Mini Reds. Student leaders organized campus-wide outreach efforts and met with Norton Children’s patients and families to learn about their journeys.

“Dance Big Red’s record-breaking year speaks to the remarkable heart and leadership of WKU students,” said Molly Ann Daniel, coordinator, foundation events, Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Together, they have raised nearly $1 million since the event began — a milestone celebrated during a night filled with stories that uplift and inspire. I am so proud of every student who worked hard to make March 6 a roaring success.” 

“Dance Big Red is a terrific example of what we strive to teach every day at WKU,” said Timothy C. Caboni, president, Western Kentucky University. “We want our students to graduate prepared to make a good living. But just as importantly, we want them to graduate ready to build a good life — a life defined by service, generosity and leadership.”

“Dance Big Red 2026 really showed the hard work and dedication of the executive board,” said Brooke Hamilton, co-chair, Dance Big Red. “Our passion for the event was shown through student participation and engagement, but most importantly through the record-breaking amount money raised for our amazing families and Norton Children’s Hospital. It was all we could have hoped that it would be, and we hope everyone enjoyed it. We are so thankful for everyone’s support!”

Norton Children’s received nearly 33,000 patient visits from south-central Kentucky in 2025. As demand for specialized pediatric care continues to grow, Norton Children’s is committed to investing in the region and bringing pediatric care closer to home. Donations from the community and events such as Dance Big Red support Norton Children’s mission of providing care to all kids.

The event is possible due to the dedication of volunteers and support of sponsors. Thanks to DBR presenting sponsors WNKY, WUHU 107 and The Beaver 106.3, along with Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green. Additional top-tier sponsors include WKU Campus Recreation & Wellness, South Central Bank, Franklin Bank & Trust Co., Meltdown, Hillvue Heights Church, Fruit of the Loom and Graves Gilbert Clinic.

For a full list of sponsors or to donate to Dance Big Red, visit DanceBigRed.com.

About Norton Children’s
Norton Children’s is a comprehensive pediatric health system that provides high-quality pediatric care across a spectrum of specialties and locations throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Comprising two hospitals, a medical center, regional outpatient centers, and primary and specialty care physician practices, Norton Children’s has an extensive network of highly trained pediatricians, pediatric specialists and support services providing care for children of all ages. As the need for pediatric care has grown in our region, so has the footprint of Norton Children’s, with over 600 pediatric providers across more than 170 locations. Our medical facilities currently serve more than 215,000 patients and see nearly 1 million patient visits each year. More information is available at NortonChildrens.com.