Reaching dreams through charity

For 36 hours straight this weekend, more than 1,000 students will be dancing for and helping Riley Hospital for Children. From 8 p.m. tonight to 8 a.m. Sunday, the 11th Annual IU Dance Marathon will be held in the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation building.\nThis year's theme, "Dancing for Miracles, Reaching for Dreams," includes much more than dancing. Children from Riley and their parents will be dancing, playing games, eating and listening to speakers along with IU student participants. \nThough the goal of Dance Marathon is to raise money for the hospital, the party this weekend is a way to celebrate and show appreciation for these children.\nThe Sept. 11 attacks have brought about a number of relief fund-raisers. Kimberly Wisniewski, president of Dance Marathon and a senior, encourages everyone to give to that cause.\n"But we are also supporting a fantastic cause," Wisniewski said. "No matter what is going on in the world, the children of Riley Hospital still need our help."\nDance Marathon faced another challenge this year when Indianapolis outlawed holding cans on the streets as a way in which to raise money.\n"Canning has always provided a large base to our fundraising efforts and this has definitely been an obstacle," Wisniewski said.\nParticipants in Dance Marathon emphasize more than the money raised.\n"The money is only part of what Dance Marathon is," said J. Ryan Williams, external vice president and a senior. "It's about college kids giving up an entire weekend to help these children. It's giving of yourself for someone else. It takes these children and lets them know that they are special and incredible people."\nDave Neustadter, director of morale and a senior, has participated in Dance Marathon for five years. He said he finds it beneficial for both the children and families at Riley and the students.\n"You don't just donate money and not know where it goes," Neustadter said.\nThis year Dance Marathon is housing 13 families for the weekend, and day visitors are expected on Saturday.\nWilliams vividly remembers Calvin, one child he met his first year with Dance Marathon. Calvin was confined to a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy, and he spent all day cheering and talking with the dancers.\n"He looked at me and said 'Thank you for dancing,'" Williams said.\nDance Marathon helped Williams switch to a pre-med concentration. \n"We get caught up in grades, sports and parties. Very seldom do we take a chance to look at the big picture and see what life is about," Williams said. "A lot of these students will take time to sit back and reflect on what they do."\nAfter spending months raising money and 36 hours dancing and playing games together, participants develop a sense of community.\n"Dance Marathon, in my opinion, is the greatest event that happens at IU. It is an event that brings the entire campus together in an incredibly selfless act," Wisniewski said. "DM is a fun and exciting weekend that reminds us all of why we should value life and all of our gifts. The people who take part in the Marathon are making a conscious and valiant effort to help those in need."\nDance Marathon is the third largest student run philanthropic event in the nation. Organizers believe the marathon will continue to grow no matter what and succeed regardless of the total amount raised.\n"We don't know how to fail because what we churn out is a success," Neustadter said. "We could raise $50, and those Riley kids would jump up and down and cry"