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Dancing the night away
SCSU's Dance Marathon raised money for Children Miracle Network Saturday
 Media Credit: Michael Martin/Managing Editor Junior Kristin Hanson leads a group of dancers during a line dance at the Dance Marathon all day Saturday in Halenbeck Hall.
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 Media Credit: Michael Martin/Managing Editor The marathon raised $5436.20 Saturday.
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The second annual SCSU Dance Marathon took place in the Halenbeck gym Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The purpose of the event was to raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network (CMN), benefiting Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, Minn.
More than 30 dancers who signed up for the event were asked to raise $110 in pledges for the CMN. Gillette patients, such as Joe Kleiner from Pine River, shared stories. Kleiner, 18, was born with spina bifida and has been a patient at Gillette since he was two weeks old.
Spina Bifida is a fault in the spinal column in which one or more vertebrae (the bones which form the backbone) fail to form properly, leaving a gap or split, causing damage to the central nervous system.
"Hearing the patients' stories makes me feel good," said Laura Kenady, senior and dance captain. "They are so grateful that we are doing this for them."
The Dance Marathon is the largest student-run philanthropic event in the nation. More than 70 colleges and universities in the nation organize dance events, which raise money through pledges, donations and sponsors.
Some of the sponsors for this year's event included Cub Foods, SCSU Campus Dining, Army National Guard, Kinko's, Prime Mortgage Corporation, Giovanni's Pizza, Comfort Inn, Frito Lay and the Marriott Fairfield Inn.
In 2001, the SCSU Dance Marathon raised more than $10,000 and had over 80 dancers.
Dancing wasn't the only activity participants got to do. Food, live entertainment, sumo wrestling, basketball, volleyball and other games contributed to the event. Spectators were also welcome to come.
"It's for a good cause," said Melissa Meulebroeck, junior and dance participant. "This is definitely worth my time."
CMN is an international organization that raises funds for and awareness of 170 children's hospitals throughout the United States and Canada. Founded in 1983, CMN has raised $1.8 billion to help hospitals help kids- $208 million in 2000 alone. In Minnesota, CMN benefits children treated at Gillette, including 720 Stearns County children in the year 2001.
Gillette, an independent, non-profit hospital and clinic, is internationally recognized for its work in the diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions, including cerebral palsy (which affects control of the muscles), brain and spinal cord injuries, complex orthopedic problems, arthritis, epilepsy, spina bifida and craniofacial anomalies.
"Overall, this year's Dance Marathon raised $5,436.20," said Ryan Cardinal, senior and PR Director. "It went very well. I thought it was a great event. People who came really showed support."
Dance Marathon Statistics
- Number of dancers: More than 30.
- Amount of money each dancer was required to raise: $110.
- Money raised Saturday: $5,436.20
- Activities dancers participated in: Enjoying life entertainment, sumo wrestling, playing basketball, playing volleyball.
- Money goes to: Children's Miracle Network, Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul.
To donate to the CMN, you can e-mail [email protected] or call (320) 255-2115 or the Gillette hospital at (651) 229-1721 or visit the Web site at www.gillettechildrens.org.
Kateri Wozny can be reached at: [email protected]
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