They do it for the kids. The 32-hour event Dance Marathon is in its 14th year, starting this Saturday in the Student Recreation Center.’ Even though the economy has caused a slight drop in donations, Brian Heilmeier, director of Dance Marathon and senior, is confident that Dance Marathon has managed to raise a sizable amount to donate to the Children’s Miracle Network and Mercy Children’s Hospital, which is partnered with St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo. ‘The children really appreciate what we do, and any amount is better than nothing,’ Heilmeier said. It may be called Dance Marathon but participants are not always required to dance. ‘People have to be awake and on their feet,’ Melinda Grooms, sponsorship chair and senior, said. There will be no shortage of activities to keep dancers awake. There will be things like a casino night, a YouTube hour, cornhole and bands performing. During the toughest hours of the event, between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.’ Sunday, talent shows will be happening and many moralers will be on hand in order to keep the dancers motivated. Brittani Penix, dance relation chair and senior, said there’s no need for dancers to worry about their health due to being on their feet for 32 hours straight. ‘Nurses will be on hand in order to make sure dancers are all right,’ Penix said. Another perk of participating in Dance Marathon is that the children that benefit from the money raised will be on hand throughout both Saturday and Sunday. ‘The most rewarding part of the event is you get to bring a smile to a child’s face,’ Grooms said. Donations can be made up until the time of the event. Dance Marathon starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday and concludes at 6 p.m. on Sunday.