Students and community members gathered in Leffler Chapel on March 14 for One Elle of a Night, an annual dance showcase that raises money for the Elle Foundation, a nonprofit that grants wishes to children facing recurring or terminal cancer.

The event, hosted by the Elizabethtown College Dance Team, combined performances, storytelling and fundraising to support the organization’s mission of creating meaningful experiences for children and their families during difficult times.

Tickets were sold at the door for $5 for students and $7 for community members. Attendees also had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for gift baskets throughout the evening, helping to raise additional funds for the cause.

Several campus performance groups took the stage during the event, including Emotion, Phalanx, Vocalign and Melica. The Elizabethtown College Dance Team performed multiple routines from their competition season, while E-dance, a local children’s dance studio, also joined the lineup. The performances brought energy to the night while reminding the audience of the event’s deeper purpose.

The evening also highlighted the story behind the foundation. The Elle Foundation was created in honor of Lauren “Elle” Richmond, who passed away in 2008 after battling cancer. Before she died, Elle asked her family to continue helping children facing similar struggles. Her wish inspired the foundation, which now works to grant special experiences for children whose cancer has returned or reached a terminal stage.

The organization is run entirely by volunteers, including Elle’s family and a network of supporters. Donations from families, businesses and community groups help fund the wishes granted to children and their families.

During the event, attendees learned about Emily, a 9-year-old from Spencerville, Indiana, who has been selected as Elizabethtown’s 2026 wish child. Emily was first diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was three years old. After several years in remission, she was diagnosed again in 2025 with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.

Emily spent months living in or near the hospital while receiving treatment, including undergoing a stem cell transplant. Despite these challenges, she shared a wish that focuses on spending time with the people she loves most.

Her dream is to travel to Naples, Florida with her parents and siblings for a family beach vacation.

In a letter shared during the presentation, Emily explained why the trip means so much to her.

“It was horrible to have cancer again. I felt sad. It was harder this time because the last time I was little,” she wrote. “My wish is to go to Florida because I love the beach and I want to have fun with my family on vacation.”

Organizers reminded the audience that each donation contributes directly to making wishes like Emily’s possible.

Past wishes were also highlighted during the event. One previous recipient, Tripp, was able to travel with his family to Charleston, South Carolina and the Outer Banks for a beach vacation. During the trip he visited filming locations from the television series Outer Banks, enjoyed a sunset cruise and explored the oceanfront.

Experiences like these give children and their families an opportunity to step away from hospital visits and treatments, even if only for a short time.

The foundation estimates that each wish typically costs between $7,000 and $10,000, making fundraising events like One Elle of a Night an important part of continuing the organization’s work.

Elizabethtown College has supported the Elle Foundation for more than a decade. This marked the 16th annual dance event filled with meaningful tradition that connects student performers, volunteers and community members.

“I came here with my friends because we saw that something was happening in Leffler today,” said Abbie Turner, a first-year student with an undeclared major. “And after the show I am glad to be here and participate in something big.” 

By coming together to dance, donate and raise awareness, the Elizabethtown community continues to help grant wishes and create lasting memories for children facing cancer.