USC STUDENTS DANCE 24 HOURS FOR THE KIDS
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA --
11th Annual Dance Marathon Benefits Palmetto Health Children's Hospital
The event will be held February 20-21 from 7 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Strom Thurmond Fitness and Wellness Center, located on 1000 Blossom St., Columbia, SC 29208. The mission of the event is to raise emotional and financial support for Palmetto Health Children's Hospital, which opened the doors to its new building in May. It is the only freestanding children's hospital in the Midlands and serves more than 82,000 children each year.
Dance Marathon is currently in its 11th year at the University of South Carolina. Last year's event raised more than $110,000 and involved more than 1,000 students. In its 10-year history, Dance Marathon proceeds total more than $600,000.
"I have never been more proud to be a member of an organization than I am to be a member of Dance Marathon. Through the hard work and diligence of members of the USC family, students are able to make an impact in the lives of citizens across South Carolina," said Caroline Bradshaw, overall director of USC Dance Marathon 2009.
Dance Marathon is an event during which participants stay awake and on their feet for 24 hours. During this time, they participate in games and contests, enjoy live entertainment, visit with children and families from Palmetto Health Children's Hospital, and of course, dance the night away. Each dancer is required to raise at least $150.
Dance Marathon is the largest student-run philanthropy at the University of
South Carolina. The organization includes a 25-member executive board that meets weekly to plan the big event along with other fundraising events throughout the year. The organization also consists of morale leaders who are responsible for choreographing and teaching the dance as well as keeping spirits high throughout the night.
The public is invited to celebrate with USC Dance Marathon participants at Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center Feb. 20-21. The community is invited to participate at any time during the event, but the best times to come are the opening ceremony at 7 p.m. on Friday and the closing ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday. For more information about Dance Marathon or to make a donation, please visit uscdm.org or palmettohealthfoundation.org.
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