This weekend marks Iowa State’s 18^th annual Dance Marathon. Dance Marathon committee members set a fundraising goal of $1 million, more than doubling the amount raised last year.

The event held begins at 12 a.m. on Jan. 24 in the Great Hall and will finish at 12 a.m. on Jan. 25.

This year’s event will consist of two 12-hour shifts in which dancers will stand to symbolize their support for the families who spend countless hours in hospital waiting rooms. Participants can listen to music, play games, hang out with the kids and even do a bit of dancing.

Dance Marathon is a nationwide movement involving college and high school students at more than 250 schools across the country, all raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in their community.

Iowa State Dance Marathon is funding the building of a brand new University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, which will grow and continue to provide care to the kids of Iowa.

Students who fundraise and dance at the event spend a year learning leadership and life skills, while raising funds and interacting with children’s hospital patients and families.

To learn more about the event, go to www.dm.stuorg.iastate.edu/.