Iowa State Dance Marathon will host an event this weekend at the Memorial Union to help raise money for the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. 

The event will run from from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. The 12-hour periods will include performances from DubH; Shy of a Dozen, an a capella men’s group from Iowa State; a hypnotist; and other activities to raise awareness for children diagnosed with terminal illnesses.

Miracle Kids will attend with their families while the organization celebrates their successes and remembers children who have died. Families that have benefitted from Dance Marathon donations will share “Miracle Family Stories” at the event. 

The Iowa State dancers are required to continuously dance and are not allowed to consume caffeine during the 12 hours. Each dancer had to raise at least $250 to participate.

During the event, the amount raised by Iowa State Dance Marathon will be announced.

Dance Marathon is a national non-profit organization with a main goal to raise money for children and their families that cannot afford hospital bills once their child has been diagnosed. Funds that Iowa State Dance Marathon raises will specifically benefit the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. 

The Miracle Network Dance Marathon has raised more than $150 million to help children in North America. The organization has worked with more than 170 hospitals to help sick children.

This weekend will mark dance marathon’s 20th year at Iowa State.