COLUMBUS — Bartholomew County high school students are collecting donations and sponsorships for the 21st annual Dance Marathon, now being referred to as DM, to benefit Turning Point Domestic Violence Services.
On Feb. 29 through March 1, hundreds of local students will collectively participate in a 10-hour overnight party at Central Middle School aimed at educating teens about dating and domestic violence prevention. This year’s event theme is Oceans: You’re Safe with Me.
While the party atmosphere is encouraged, DM is most importantly an annual event to raise awareness about domestic and dating violence.
“Nationally, one in three teens will be affected by emotional, physical or sexual violence by the age of 18,” wrote students on the 2020 DM Fundraising and Sponsorship Committee. “DM is our way of connecting with our peers to educate them about healthy relationships and signs of dating violence.”
From the time that it opened as Columbus Women’s Shelter in August 1975 to today, Turning Point has worked to lessen the prevalence of dating and domestic violence throughout the broader south-central Indiana community. In 2018, the service provided 7,139 nights in shelter and facilitated 1,436 professional trainings and educational presentations.
Students from all five Bartholomew County high schools — Columbus East, Columbus North, Columbus Signature Academy — New Tech, Hauser Jr./Sr. High School and Columbus Christian School — raised $144,500 at the 2019 event, the 20th anniversary of Dance Marathon.
Funds raised during the event go toward services for victims of domestic violence that include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, transitional housing and legal assistance.
Making the event happen is no simple feat, the students said. The committee is seeking sponsorships and donations from community businesses to support the cause and make DM a success.
Sponsors can choose from the following five levels:
Arctic Ocean — Company name listed on the back of the official DM T-shirt; recognized in “Thank You” advertisements in The Republic.
Southern Ocean — Named as sponsor on online registration website; company name listed on the back of the official DM T-shirt; recognized in “Thank You” advertisements in The Republic.
Indian Ocean — Logo and named as a corporate sponsor on online registration site and Turning Point website; company logo on the back of the official DM T-shirt; mentioned in all DM press releases and radio advertisements as a sponsor; recognized in “Thank You” advertisements in The Republic; company sponsorship read aloud at DM 2020.
Atlantic Ocean — Named as a major sponsor on online registration site and Turning Point website; your company may provide a banner for display at DM 2020; prominent placement of company logo on the back of the official DM T-shirt; mentioned in all DM press releases, radio advertisements and social media as a major sponsor; recognized in “Thank You” advertisements in The Republic; company sponsorship read aloud at DM 2020.
Pacific Ocean — Named as a title sponsor for DM 2020; named as a title sponsor on online registration site and Turning Point website; your company may provide a banner for display at DM 2020; placement of company logo on the top of the sponsor listing on the official DM T-shirt; mentioned in all DM press releases, radio advertisements and social media as the title sponsor; recognized in “Thank You” advertisements in The Republic; company sponsorship read aloud at DM 2020.
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Individuals and businesses can help the students meet their goal of raising awareness about domestic violence in the community through a number of ways:
As a corporate sponsor.
By making an in-kind donation. Call Elisabeth Jones at 813-379-5575 ext. 202, or email [email protected] with your idea.
By giving a personal gift.
By volunteering to chaperone the event at Central Middle School. Contact lead mentor Stephen Dishinger at 812-379-5575 ext. 213, or email [email protected].
Learn how to get involved at turningpointdv.org/dance-marathon.
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From the time that it opened as Columbus Women’s Shelter in August 1975 to today, Turning Point Domestic Violence Services has worked to lessen the prevalence of dating and domestic violence throughout the broader south-central Indiana community. In 2018, the service provided 7,139 nights in shelter and facilitated 1,436 professional trainings and educational presentations.
Source: Turning Point Domestic Violence Services
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Because relationships exist on a spectrum, it can be hard to tell when a behavior crosses the line from healthy to unhealthy or even abusive.
Use these warning signs of abuse to see if your relationship is going in the wrong direction:
- Checking your cell phone or email without permission
- Constantly putting you down
- Extreme jealousy or insecurity
- Explosive temper
- Isolating you from family or friends
- Making false accusations
- Mood swings
- Physically hurting you in any way
- Possessiveness
- Telling you what to do
- Repeatedly pressuring you to have sex
Source: Turning Point Domestic Violence Services
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