Students looking for a good cause to invest their free time in can get involved in Dance Marathon.

Dance Marathon, a 32-hour long event, is the culminating event in a long fundraising campaign which benefits the Children’s Miracle Network and Toledo Saint Vincent Hospital.

Last year’s event raised almost $194,660 for the two organizations.

In order for a person to participate they must raise at least $275.

According to Brianne Barhite, a student who has been involved in Dance Marathon in past years, there has been a positive turnout in previous years.

“On average we have around 1,200 students who either volunteer or participate,” Barhite said.

The money raised will be used to provide education, equipment, research, and treatment for children from Northwest Ohio who have birth defects, serious disease, severe traumas, or terminal illness.

Dance Marathon will be held on March 29 and 30.

During the marathon, students are to stay on their feet for the entirety of the event while learning different dances.

The event includes other forms of entertainment as well. There will be basketball and the opportunity to watch movies.

Dancers at the marathon will be paired with moralers who are at the event to help keep the dancers motivated.

Cal Majore, a graduate advisor who is involved with the event, said every year the marathon has a different theme.

“This year is the Olympic theme, ‘One team one dream’,” Majore said.

Aimee LaBonte, who was on the technology core committee, knows from past experience with the event that despite the work involved in putting on such an event, the outcome makes it all worth while.

“As much as you put into Dance Marathon, you get that much back,” LaBonte said.

Majore summed up all of the effort which is put into the event by remembering what the event is being put on for.

“[Dance Marathon] is in honor of the children who can’t rest,” Majore said.

The event is not the only way students can get involved.

Upcoming fundraising events include an All Campus Ball scheduled for Nov. 29, a benefit dinner on Jan. 12, a bike rally and a mini-marathon on Feb. 12.

To learn more about Dance Marathon visit their Web site at: http://www.bgdancemarathon.com