Wisconsin Dance Marathon ready for a second year

University of Wisconsin–Madison students are raising cash to dance the night away at the second annual Wisconsin Dance Marathon Friday-Saturday, Feb. 26-27.

After a successful first year, the dance marathon is back to raise money for the American Family Children’s Hospital. Last year, the marathon raised nearly $57,000 — the most of any Big Ten school’s first-year dance marathon — with more than 300 participants and contributors.

This year, marathon organizers set $100,000 as their goal and increased the event from 12 to 14 hours. The marathon will kick off at 7 p.m. on Feb. 26 and wrap up at 9 a.m. on Feb. 27.

“It’s a really great way to combine a really fun and entertaining night with reminders about those that we’re trying to help,” says Wisconsin Dance Marathon co-director Adam Wallenfang.

Last year, the funds went for toys and activities for the kids. The donations also helped purchase equipment for the operating room and support the family dinner program, which provides food for patients and families twice a month.

Instead of just handing over the check, the members of the Wisconsin Dance Marathon student organization give their time and service year round at the hospital. They personally serve the food at the dinners and get to know the patients and their families as well as hospital staff.

“It just kind of puts everything for you in perspective,” says Wisconsin Dance Marathon public relations chair Emily Kesner. “They’re so strong. And you would never expect that a 5-year-old or an 8-year-old could teach you something that valuable, but in reality, sometimes they know more than we do.”

The children’s hospital is pleased with the students’ efforts.

“I think it is wonderful in their own development as young people who are going to go out in the world in many different types of careers to get a connection to the children’s hospital and to the patients and families,” says Jeff Poltawsky, American Family Children’s Hospital vice president. “They’re really tied to the mission of the American Family Children’s Hospital to improve the health status of the children of Wisconsin and beyond.”

The children are also invited to kick off the marathon with the dancers and then to eat breakfast with the students the following morning.

Participants must raise $100 or more to attend the marathon, whose top sponsors include Unity Health Insurance, the Milwaukee Bucks and Olive Garden. With a $50 donation, community members and UW–Madison faculty and staff can participate by becoming a community dancer at the event. Community dancers are allowed entrance from 7-11 p.m. on Feb. 26.

Participants can expect free food from local businesses, games, prizes, performances by student organizations and, of course, good music and people to dance with.

Dancers will learn segments of a line dance throughout the night, which they will perform for the children and their families during breakfast in the morning.

“We’re trying to make it an event that you’ll feel like you’re missing out on if you don’t attend,” Kesner says.

The Wisconsin Dance Marathon is pairing with other student organizations, including the Greek system, Dubs Cheer, UW–Madison Lions Club, Visitor and Information Programs, women’s club lacrosse, club tennis teams and Adventure Learning Programs to increase participation.

To get involved with the marathon, e-mail wiscodm@gmail.com or visit http://www.uwdancemarathon.org.