Dance Marathon to support WVU Children’s House

West Virginia University students can dance the night away and help others at the same time.

The 13th annual WVU Dance Marathon is a national student-run event that supports Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

This year, 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to WVU Children's Hospital.

Children's Miracle Network Hospital Director Lora Edgell said the noon-midnight event raises awareness by keeping participants on their feet having a good time, and she hopes even more WVU students will participate in this year's event on Feb. 25.

"You're on your feet for 12 hours, and it doesn't even seem like a long time," Edgell said. "Throughout the event, one of the main things that is constantly remembered is that standing on our feet for 12 hours is nothing in comparison to some of the battles that our kids at the WVU Children's Hospital are facing every day."

Since the event started 13 years ago, students at WVU have raised more than $260,000 for the WVU Children's Hospital and raised $30,000 just last year, Edgell said.

"The event is really taking off, but we're really trying to push it this year and get more students and organizations involved," she said.

Andrea Tracewell, event chair and WVU senior, said the event provides students with a chance to give back to the community, while having fun at the same time.

"It's a really great opportunity for students and young people to make a difference and give back to the community," Tracewell said. "It's also a lot of fun for all of those who participate."

Tracewell said although WVU students always come out and support the event, she's hoping for a greater turnout this year.

"We already have around 140 participants registered online, and that's a little more than we usually have at this time. So, we're hoping for a great turnout," she said.

Nicole Brown, a WVU student participating in the event, said the feeling of being able to help local children in need is invaluable.

"It's such a rewarding experience to participate in this event and give the kids the opportunity to see how big their support system is," Brown said. "Seeing all of the kids having such a good time and being so positive regardless of their situation is really an eye-opening experience."

There is no registration fee for the event, but students must raise at least $50 to participate.

Students who raise more than $100 will be entered in a drawing for prizes such as an Apple iPad, gift cards and more.

Students will also receive volunteer hours and a free T-shirt.

The event has teamed up with WVAQ and will be deejaying the event.

The theme of this year's Dance Marathon is "When you wish on a star, all of our kids can go very far," which is based upon the Disney song. A Disney character hour is planned for the kids, Edgell said.

A group line dance will be learned at the event, with a new step learned each hour to keep students interested, Edgell said.

Although the event grows each year, Edgell and Tracewell's main goal is to recruit more students and organizations this year.

Those interested in participating in the Dance Marathon Feb. 25 can sign up at www.helpmakemiracles.org/event/wvudm or call 304-598-4346 ext. 2.

For more information, contact wvudancemarathon@gmail.com.