Tammie TamaraSection Editor

Calling all dancing queens and kings: University Program Council is looking for volunteers for SDSU’s First Annual Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon.

The 12-hour dance-a-thon will take place Feb. 15 to 16 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the upper level of the Student Union, mostly in Volstorff Ballroom.

The money raised will go to Sioux Valley Children’s hospital to benefit kids with injuries, birth defects and diseases.

Although the dance marathon program occurs nationwide, this is the first time it will happen at SDSU.

To participate as a dancer, you must be a SDSU student, pay a $15 registration fee and be able to raise $100.

UPC will give the participants a fundraising packet with a letter they can personalize and send to family or friends, asking for donations.

Student organizations are encouraged to register as a team.

“It gives you a chance to get your organization’s name out there,” said Janel Meyer, CMN overall chair for UPC. “It’s such an easy, fun way to get community service hours.”

She said the participants commit to dancing for all 12 hours.

“The goal is to have everyone start and finish,” she said.

But don’t worry. You won’t have to dance every single second of the night. Two meals and snacks will be served, and participants will get to hear testimonials of those who have received aid.

“We’re going to have families from the community that have been helped by CMN tell their stories,” Meyer said. “So you’ll be able to interact with them.”

How do you get involved?

Pick up an application from UPC’s secretary in their office in the basement of the Student Union, or stop by the CMN Dance Marathon table in the breezeway.

“We would like registrations by the end of the semester, otherwise by the first two weeks of next semester,” Meyer said. “Just so they have time to raise the money.”

The Children’s Miracle Network works with 170 hospitals to help over 14 million kids, Meyer said. They have given over $2.5 million in charitable care.

The dance marathon program was partially chosen because it would require several people, Meyer said

“My job is supposed to give every SDSU student the opportunity to do community service,” she said.

“We wanted to do something larger that could involve every SDSU student in some way.”

Those who don’t want to dance,but would like to help, still have many options.

UPC still needs a few committee members for the event, and CMN balloons will be sold through the first two weeks of next semester for $1 each.

“If you didn’t want to be a dancer, you can give a donation.”

Meyer said she would like to see this become an annual event.

Sophomore Mary Andrawis, chair of the Dance Marathon Committee, agreed.

“It’s exciting to be part of starting something here that hopefully will be around for awhile,” she said.

She also feels good about helping others through this project.

“It’s really moving because you never really have a chance to directly help a family,” she said.

“You really are giving them a lot more than just your time. It feels good.”