40 Years of Dash-A-Thon

3/21/2024

By Erin McCarville with Julie Rebek Wendelberger, DSHA '84

On September 27, DSHA faculty, staff, and students gathered in the Chris & John McDermott Gymnasium to kick off the 40th Annual Dash-A-Thon. A beloved tradition, Dash-A-Thon is the largest student-led fundraiser that culminates in a themed 7-mile walk/run to raise money for the school. Since its inception, it has raised over $2 million for DSHA. The event was originally founded in 1983 by the Student Council Executive Committee at the time of Julie Rebek Wendelberger, DSHA ’84; Debra Leack Braun, DSHA ’84; Anne Kresse Pillion, DSHA ’84; Pam Knoll Doherty, DSHA ’84; and Director of Salvatorian Service Dr. Katie Daily Pickart, DSHA ’84. Four decades later, Dash-A-Thon continues to be led by student leaders in School Pride (SPRIDE), an elected commission of the DSHA Student Council whose members organize spirit weeks, assemblies, and other student events.

The 40th celebration began with a pep rally and a performance by the DSHA Dance Team. Three of Dash-A-Thon’s founders including Pickart, Wendelberger, and Knoll were present to address the girls. Dressed in their “fisherwoman” outfits to match the Swimming into the School Year theme, the alumnae spoke to students, sharing their love for DSHA and why they started Dash-A-Thon to raise school spirit and come together as a community.

What inspired your Executive Committee of Student Council to create Dash-A-Thon nearly four decades ago?
Julie Rebek Wendelberger, DSHA ’84: We thought it would be a fun activity for everyone to come together, be outside, and build community within our school and across grade levels. It was a group effort between the five of us girls on the Executive Committee of Student Council. As a Catholic school, we were always encouraged to be open to receive God’s presence and inspiration. I believe He and the Holy Spirit planted the idea of Dash-A-Thon and we were the vessel that said "yes" and executed the idea. God does great things when you are open to receiving Him. I believe the faith-based community that DSHA fosters really leaned to the initial cultivation, and continued success, of Dash-A-Thon.

Did you ever imagine Dash-A-Thon would grow this large? How does it feel to watch the girls take ownership of the event so many years later?

A: I absolutely love that Dash-A-Thon has become bigger and better with time. It’s really a testament to the fact that when you come up with a concept and give girls leadership over it, creativity and greatness comes about. Each year has been a continuous improvement upon the original idea because Dashers are given the ability to own it. It has been special to watch it evolve over the years and to see it through the eyes of my own four Dasher daughters (Elizabeth Wendelberger, DSHA ’10; Emily Wendelberger McGuire, DSHA ’12; Margaret Wendelberger, DSHA ’13; and Sophia Wendelberger, DSHA ’18).

Coming back to the event this year and watching the girls own it was incredibly moving. It was like being transported in time. Watching Dashers interact, laugh, and have fun reminded me of my classmates. As they walked out the doors to start the seven miles, it could’ve easily been my friends and I 40 years ago. The energy, enthusiasm, and kindness of DSHA students are truly timeless.

Why is it important to you to continue to give back to the all-girls, Catholic education at DSHA?

A: When you give back to DSHA, you are taking ownership of what happens in the school and ensuring that girls are getting the same opportunities and experiences you had. When I give back, I am saying, "I have confidence in this school, and I am proud to be a part of this amazing community." Additionally, the mission to develop young women of faith, heart, and intellect, is vitally important. Take any of those qualities alone, and it is not as powerful as when you combine them. DSHA is creating a community of graduates who are capable, confident, and committed to living out the gospel call to make a difference in the lives of others. When you give back to DSHA, you are staying connected to a force that is doing good in the world.

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Dash-A-Thon 2024 Recap

The Swimming Into the School Year theme perfectly matched the rainy weather of the day. After students heard from the original founders of Dash-A-Thon in the gym, and played several competitive games to foster school spirit, they braved the rainy weather to raise money for the school they love. Donning raincoats, boots, ponchos, umbrellas, and more, Dashers were all smiles as they began the 7 miles. A rainy day to remember, students surpassed their fundraising goal and raised over $90,000 for DSHA!

Payton Josetti, DSHA ’26, a member of the Sophomore SPRIDE Committee, walks the familiar yet rainy Dash-A-Thon route. “The leaders of Dash-A-Thon were really inspiring. We heard how Dash-A-Thon impacted their lives and how beneficial the event has been to DSHA throughout the years. The three dreamed of making an impact in their community and it came true. It reminded us all that dreams can come true through hard work and dedication. And even though the weather wasn’t ideal, the founders, my fellow classmates, and staff, dedicated ourselves to getting outside and raising money for our school! Our community bonded during the walk and made many rainy memories that I will cherish forever,” Josetti said.

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT DASH-A-THON OR THE DSHA ANNUAL FUND: visit dsha.info/givenow or contact Senior Director of Development Matt Johnson at JohnsonM@dsha.info or 414.721.2911.

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Back to Voices of DSHA

- Dash-A-Thon founders Pam Knoll Dohrety, DSHA '84; Director of Salvatorian Service Dr. Katie Pickart, DSHA '84; and Julie Rebek Wendelberger, DSHA '84 dressed in "fisherwoman" gear at the 40th Dash-A-Thon pep rally.
- Payton Josetti, DSHA '26, walks the familiar yet rainy Dash-A-Thon route in 2023.
- Members of the DSHA Class of 2027, dressed in theme as sea algae, cheer on their classmates as they participate in a pep rally game against the upperclasswomen.