Magic shows are fun and so are comedy shows. But what happens when those two things are combined into one show? The Children’s Miracle Network committee is aiming to answer just that.

On Monday, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, comedic magician Derek Hughes takes the stage for the 2011-2012 CMN kick-off.

With a new school year comes a new CMN Committee, which comes with all new goals. State-A-Thon, the annual marathon event which celebrates the fundraising efforts throughout the year, is still months away. The committee keeps busy planning fundraisers and recruitment. We can be assured that these board members are all incredibly passionate about the cause that they serve: Children’s Miracle Network.

“Oh man, I am super excited about the event this year. Our [executive] board is all around amazing to work with and everyone pitches in,” said sophomore Cassie Schulte, a participant in State-A-Thon last year and the residential life recruitment coordinator for the CMN committee.

The committee is led by senior Maggie Aldrich the CMN State-A-Thon coordinator for the University Program Council. Aldrich has been involved with State-A-Thon for 3 years.

“The kids that we help have made such an amazing impact on my life. When I first signed up I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Now, I eat sleep and breathe State-A-Thon. It is all for the kids and it is so important to remember that we are making a difference and changing lives,” Aldrich said.

Senior Kelsey Heer, who was a participant in State-A-Thon for two years and this year’s Morale Captain, says she would describe CMN as “life-changing.”

“Those in the Sanford Children’s Hospital are who inspired me to become what I am today. Being a Miracle Child myself, I feel like I was greatly impacted after attending my first State-A-Thon,” Heer said.

One-hundred percent of the funds that are raised throughout the year and at State-A-Thon go directly to Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

“To me, being involved with State-A-Thon is a way for me to say thank you for all they have done for me. There isn’t a better feeling in the world, knowing that you have touched a child’s heart and saved a family,” Heer said.

For more information on CMN, contact Maggie Aldrich at 688-6173 or stop by the UPC office in the Union across from Java City.