Celebrating our 2022 Legacy Award Winner

Riley Children’s Foundation is proud to announce Taryn Muhammad as the 2022 Legacy Award winner for Riley Dance Marathon. This annual award recognizes one graduating college senior who has made significant contributions that will continue to elevate their school’s Riley Dance Marathon program years beyond their active involvement. The recipient practices altruism, demonstrates an ability to unify and mobilize those around them and is inimitable to their respective program. Tyler Trent of Purdue University Dance Marathon was honored posthumously as the inaugural recipient in 2019.

Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Taryn recently graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. She capped off her three years of involvement with Ball State University Dance Marathon by serving as Vice President of Membership Development. She was the first Black Vice President in the organization’s history. In this role, Taryn recruited her peers in the National Panhellenic Organization to participate in BSUDM for the first time and created diversity and inclusion training for Executive Board members. She also prompted many of her family and friends to become first-time donors by spending hours on the phone with them, educating them about Dance Marathon and how their donations would benefit Riley kids.

“I have always had a passion for helping others, but I never believed that I had the voice to do it. Through my experience with BSUDM, I have learned so much about myself and how I can help my community and others excel,” says Taryn. “My father passed away in October 2021, and with him being my biggest supporter, I did not know if I could return to BSUDM or philanthropy work in general. However, I remember him telling me that my fight to make the world a better place, no matter how big or small, was something to be proud of. Throughout the rest of my time with BSUDM, I kept this in my mind.”

Thirteen colleges fundraised for Riley Dance Marathon during the 2021-2022 school year. Founded in 2003, Ball State University Dance Marathon has raised over $4.3 million to date for Riley Children’s Health. Funds support Riley’s Palliative Care team and the Magic Castle Cart volunteer program.

On behalf of all of us at Riley Children’s Foundation, congratulations, Taryn! We are grateful for all you’ve done for Riley kids.