Old Riley Bucket Week Raises Nearly $380k for Riley

By: Conor Banks 

Each year, Indiana football takes on Purdue to compete for the Old Oaken Bucket. Inspired by this rivalry on the field, Indiana University Dance Marathon partnered with Purdue University Dance Marathon for a week-long fundraising effort to benefit the kids and families at Riley Hospital for Children.  

This annual tradition is known as Old Riley Bucket Week. Throughout the week, IUDM members participated in several activities and challenges to acquire donations. In celebration of IUDM’s 36th year, members were challenged to raise $360 for Riley. Those who met the goal received a Ryan White-inspired sweatshirt.   

Challenges for the week included the 50 States Challenge, which encouraged fundraisers to reach out to donors across the United States. The Riley Development committee ultimately won the challenge by securing the most donations from across the country.  

The week culminated into ORBathon –– an event that took place at the end of the week where all 18 IUDM committees collaborated together for the shared purpose of making a difference for Riley. Members of the Indiana football team and Hoosier the Bison made appearances at the event, energizing participants and fostering excitement about the organization’s largest fundraising push of the spring.  

At ORBathon, IUDM announced its 2026 marathon quote –– “Empowered Together.” The theme highlights IUDM’s continued commitment to providing a safe place for everyone to come together for a common cause and be surrounded by others who care about making a difference. 

ORBathon featured a variety of fun activities for participants, including stage games and karaoke. Fundraisers also took part in a “power hour”, dedicating time to reach out to potential donors with the goal of raising as much money as possible for Riley. During that single hour, members raised $50,078.21.

To end ORBathon, it was revealed that IUDM had raised $290,126.23 for the kids and families at Riley. By the end of Old Riley Bucket Week, IUDM and PUDM combined to raise $378,784.11 for the kids and families at Riley –– nearly $100,000 more than last year’s total.