Carrying on the altruistic tradition that has become synonymous with the Hupy name, Maxine Hupy, daughter of President Michael F. Hupy, was one of 900 Northwestern University students who danced for 30 hours as part of the 2009 dance-a-thon fundraiser, held on March 6-8. The primary beneficiary this year was Project Kindle, a national nonprofit organization that supports children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS. Project Kindle touches the lives of over 15,000 children, young adults and families each year through its recreational experiences, educational programs and support services.
The Dance Marathon celebrated its 35th year in 2009. It has raised over $9 million for various charities since its inauguration and is one of the world’s largest collegiate philanthropies.
The Tradition Continued in 2010
In March 2010, Northwestern University held its annual Dance Marathon. That year, the main beneficiary of the money raised was StandUp for Kids, an organization that helps homeless youth.
Northwestern's annual Dance Marathon began in 1975, and has raised more than $11 million for various charities.
In 2010, Maxine Hupy, a communications junior and Dance Marathon Corporate Relations member, received a trophy for top fundraising committee member, raising a total of $1200.
"I honestly had no idea," Maxine said. While this was her third year participating in Dance Marathon, it was the first time she was recognized individually. Her fundraising efforts were largely due to the Nutty Nutcracker production from Fall Quarter. Even though she was studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, Maxine organized the production of her ballet piece, and all the money collected went towards the Dance Marathon.
Maxine's brother, Rex, was on the corporate committee and danced the 30 hours.
Maxine and Rex Hupy Help Raise Record Breaking Amount for the Children’s Heart Foundation
Maxine and Rex Hupy, children of Michael F. Hupy, helped raise a record breaking $1,019,130 for the Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF) through the Northwestern University’s Dance Marathon. CHF is the only organization created solely to fund the necessary research to save the lives of those affected by congenital heart defects. Congenital heart defects are responsible for the deaths of nearly 1,000,000 children every year.
Hupy and Abraham helped sponsor the 30-hour long Dance Marathon for the 4th year in a row in 2011.
Now in its 37th year, Northwestern University’s Dance Marathon is one of the largest student-run philanthropies, having raised more than $12 million since its foundation in 1975.
Maxine has been recognized as the “Committee Member to raise the most money” for the second year in a row, and Rex was the philanthropy chair of his fraternity (Chi Psi), winning “Outstanding Joint Philanthropic Event” this year.