Deadline for dancers approaching

By: Elizabeth Beavers, Staff Writer

The time to dance isn't until February, but the time to sign up is quickly approaching.

Students interested in participating as dancers in UNC's annual Dance Marathon, which benefits the N.C. Children's Hospital, must sign up by 5 p.m. Saturday.

The marathon will be held from 7 p.m. Feb. 23 until 7 p.m. Feb. 24.

In addition to online applications, interested students can obtain paper applications in the Pit or in Suite 3508, office D, in the Student Union. Completed applications can be returned to those locations.

Anna Lassiter, morale chairwoman, said students can visit the Pit from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. every day this week to receive more information.

"We're hoping to get a lot more people in the Pit all week," said Nikki Peters, director of public relations for the Dance Marathon. Peters said about 750 dancers participated last year, and the number is expected to increase this year.

In addition to participating in the 24-hour marathon, dancers pledge to raise at least $80.

"In the past we've only been able to accept donations in cash or check, but now you can use a credit card online," said Erica Newman, overall coordinator for the marathon.

The process works through an online company called Firstgiving, which coordinates nonprofit fundraisers.

"This program enables each dancer to have their own fundraising page that they can customize," Newman said, noting that dancers can upload pictures and personal messages on their fundraising page.

Peters said dancers also can post the link to communication tools such as AOL Instant Messenger or Facebook.com.

Newman said the process will make it easier for people to donate money and for dancers to spread the word.

"We've already had dancers go above the required $80," she said.

Marathon committees have held many fundraisers, such as a date auction at Players, a Battle of the Bands at The Library and will hold a dodgeball tournament in Rams Head Recreational Center on Friday.

The money collected throughout the year-long campaign will benefit the N.C. Children's Hospital by contributing to the For the Kids Fund.

"Our mission is to directly improve the lives of patients and families at N.C. Children's Hospital," Peters said.

She said the fund helps families with costs not covered with insurance and Medicaid.

Newman emphasized the benefits of dancing in the marathon, citing 24 hours of entertainment and free food in addition to the opportunity to meet hundreds of people.

"It is a great cause, something that you will definitely regret if you don't do it by the time you graduate."

Elizabeth Beavers, “Deadline for dancers approaching,” The Daily Tarheel, November 15, 2006.