While most students may have spent Saturday sleeping in, over 500 students packed into the Memorial Union to help children across the state of Iowa – by dancing.

Dance Marathon is a nationwide student philanthropy that raises money for the Children’s Hospital of Iowa and the Children’s Miracle Network, with the goal of helping children and families cope with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, said Amy Boruff, Dance Marathon public relations chair and senior in advertising.

“It’s all about the kids; about getting them away from the hospital for a day to have fun and forgetting about their fears,” said Chris Deal, co-executive director of Dance Marathon and senior in mechanical engineering.

In its tenth year at Iowa State, Dance Marathon has grown to become the university’s largest philanthropic event and recently accomplished its goal to raise $1 million collectively over the past 10 years. This was possible in part because of the $160,000 raised at this year’s event.

To participate, students must each raise $175 along with a $25 registration fee. While this may sound like a large amount, most participants don’t have a hard time raising it.

“It’s not too hard to raise the money. I usually ask my family and then go out on Welch Avenue and ask people walking out of the bars,” said Jared Mortenson, Dance Marathon dancer and junior in mechanical engineering.

Although the main ceremony comes together in the form of a 15-hour dance-off coupled with games and live entertainment, preparation for this and other Dance Marathon events takes place throughout the year.

“The planning starts the day after. Along with the main ceremony, Dance Marathon is a yearlong event that includes things from fundraising meals on campus to mini-marathons at local high schools,” Deal said.

Students involved cite the philanthropy’s success on its ability to showcase how their efforts are actually helping. By inviting local families who receive benefits from the Children’s Miracle Network, the main ceremony offers a unique glance into how their lives are actually affected by the fundraising.

“The kids are amazing. It’s great to see the same families come year after year because it gives you a chance to see how they’ve grown, and who they’ve become,” said Amy Macinnes, Dance Marathon morale captain and junior in biology.

After students, families and volunteers complete the 15-hour Dance Marathon, the last two hours are often the most memorable.

“The highlight of the celebration for me was the closing ceremonies,” said Macinnes. “There was the ‘power hour’ where everyone involved danced for the whole hour without stopping, then we all finally sat down and watched a video of what happened that day. It’s at that point that you realize what you’re doing and who you’re helping; it’s just amazing.”