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Dancers Raise $6,000
By Mary Douglas and Su Kang
While bands like Chosen Few and the Housemarys entertained a tired crowd of dedicated dancers this weekend, IU Dance Marathon organizers watched their collection cans fill.
About 500 students shuffled through IU's s third annual Dance Marathon, which raised thousands of dollars for an Indianapolis children's hospital through sponsors and donations.
"It's a chance to be with your friends, have a good time and raise money for children who need it," sophomore Jennifer Morgan said ''It's really for the kids."
Participants danced from 8 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Sunday at the IU Fieldhouse. Volleyballs, Frisbees and ping-pong balls filled the air, and various spirit contests added variety to the weekend.
"I hope we make enough money to make a difference," sophomore Paige Hogan said.
After the last band left the stage, Dance Marathon organizers announced that the event raised $66, 112. The money will be used to build the Ryan White Infectious Disease Center at Riley Hospital for Children.
"That is quite a difference from last year," said senior Tiann Weiss, director of public relations for Dance Marathon Last year's total came to $23,000.
Junior Mitch Glanzman participated because he is from Indianapolis and has "seen how important Riley is."
The highlight of the weekend for most participants was getting to meet the children from Riley Hospital face to face. After hearing the children talk on stage, 'I knew why I was here," sophomore Mel Pogue said.
"We got to pick them up and dance with them. I felt like I had a purpose for being here," Pogue said.
Many students said the children from Riley helped keep the dancers' spirits going. The children along with Dance Marathon committee members, drove around in golf carts waving and talking to the dancers.
"We invited the families to stay here as long as they want to," said senior P J. Lampi, chairman for the Riley Development Committee. Senior Tina Best said the event is espcially meaningful because it helps the children.
“Thirty-six hours may seem like a lot of time to sacrifice, but if it can help a child it is worth every minute," she said.
Amy Frey, 15, from Kokomo, Ind., was one of the children who helped keep the dancers motivated. She said she loved talking to the people and liked to listen to the bands and dance.
Twelve different bands, Rap Connection and the Kappa Alpha Psi Step Show also entertained the dancers.
"The bands were awesome," sophomore Beth Schickedanz said. When Situation Grey came out, "We went a little nuts; now we're a little sore," she said.
Each dancer was allowed five 5-minute breaks. During that time they were permitted to sit down and use the restroom. They also had a designated time to eat, which was signified by different colors on participants' dance numbers.
Many students said the grueling dance event was very rewarding.
"I love kids and am glad to have the chance to help them because I think it is a small sacrifice to help them," said Janel Horvath, a junior.
Although planning Dance Marathon took a lot of hard work and preparation, some organizers decided to also participate in the event.
"Ever since I danced last year, I knew I wanted to become more involved in Dance Marathon," said senior Becky Yunevich, who chaired a Dance Marathon committee. ''Being a chairperson is one of the most rewarding things I've done."
Weiss said organizers had been preparing for this weekend since last year's marathon. The IU Dance Marathon Council is a group of 400 students and sponsors who raise money all year through donations, raffles and pledging.
All the students who danced this weekend also collected donations earlier this year. Dancing, overall donations attendance and various contests throughout the weekend all helped the groups involved win spirit points. The Kappa Delta and Sigma Pi teams were awarded the most spirit points.
The turnout of spectators for the event was "tremendous," said freshman Alan Roth, who was collecting donations at the door.
Attendance was especially high during spirit hours, said sophomore Erin Thiem, dance relations committee chair. Groups were given a specific time to have people they know come in to earn extra spirit points for them.
Spirit hours were set between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m., "early in the morning when the dancers are most tired," Thiem said.
Some students decided to give money instead of spending their weekend dancing.
"I give money in the cans, I just can't dance for 36 hours," said junior Matt Wargel who went to watch so be could earn points for Acacia.
But sophomore Ali Satlow said the dancing was worth the exhaustion. "Physically you feel like hell, but mentally you feel great," Satlow said.
