Fundraising teams of people decked in pink, green and blue are flooding the Alumni Center today for the Ball State University Dance Marathon. The marathon commenced at 1 p.m. as planned and will continue until 1 a.m. Sunday to raise money for Riley Hospital for Children.
Ball State students are participating individually and in organizations, raising money for the hospital and learning in the process.
At the end of the event, it was revealed that $10,093.81 was raised for the hospital.
The fundraiser's motto, "Standing up for those who can't," reflects one of the main concepts of the event.
"We don't allow sitting," Chelsea Backus, president of the Ball State Dance Marathon, said. "The only exception is if someone gets sick."
The other main attraction of the event is the dance activity.
"Everyone learns one long dance, but it's taught in parts throughout the night," said Kyle Bushey, corporate relations for the marathon this year and dancing veteran from the past year. "At the end of the night everybody does the dance."
Thus far, between each dance lesson, the Ball State Elite has performed for the participants, karaoke competitions have taken place and several families helped by Riley's have spoken. For entertainment the marathon has provided games such as Wii, Xbox and Guitar Hero. Organizers also have supplied the participants with a DJ and Monster and Rockstar beverages.
"We have snacks all around for everyone, and we'll eat dinner at five and at nine," Bushey said.
Kelli Martin, a member of the Phi Mu sorority and special events executive for the marathon, said that the day has gone well.
"The morning went smoothly thus far. I'm just happy my sorority sisters are here to support the cause," Martin said.
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