Marquette students are driven to turn dreams into realities, especially if those dreams involve bringing the Marquette and Milwaukee communities together. Dance Marathon Marquette is an organization that emphasizes the importance of the coalescence between communities.

For six years, Marquette students have participated in the year-long, national dance marathon effort to fundraise for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Over 250 schools across the country participate to raise money for local Children’s Hospitals in their individual communities. The money Marquette

raises will benefit the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, specifically the hospital’s “area of greatest need funds,” which includes projects such as its new neonatal facility, community service outreach programs, pediatric clinics and community clinics.

Participants in Dance Marathon of Marquette University will conclude their hard work of fundraising in the main event of this year’s dance marathon. The dance marathon provides an opportunity to support the famous slogan, “We stand for those who can’t,” by dancing and standing for eight hours as an act of solidarity for hospitalized children.

During the dance marathon, students will be able to dance free-style and learn a fun, choreographed dance. If you don’t like to dance, that’s okay! There will be crafts, games and performances throughout the night from Marquette groups as well as local Milwaukee and Marquette performers.

Dance Marathon Marquette symbolizes the coming together of Marquette students, as sorority members, fraternity brothers and sport teams will be attending this event to show their support for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Besides having fun, the most important part of the Dance Marathon is celebrating the Champion Kids. These are children who have been treated at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. The Champion Kids will attend the event with their families and share their stories and struggles with the Marquette community. This experience sincerely connects participants to the cause and helps them understand why they stand for the kids. Along with sharing their stories, the Champion Kids will be dancing and celebrating life right along with students.

Dance Marathon Marquette Co-president Nicole Ingram said her involvement in the dance marathon last year was “an exciting, inclusive party with a diverse community that came together to revel the lives and resilience of the children of the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.”

This year, the organization’s goal is to raise $35,000 and while they are well on their way, every little bit of help counts. Those interested in supporting this great cause should register at Dance Marathon Marquette’s website, www.marquettedm.org. There is a $15 fee, which will go directly to the Children Miracle’s Network. If dancing isn’t enough of an incentive, there will be great food, games and raffles with great prizes.

The event will take place this Saturday, Feb. 28, in the Annex from 4 p.m. to midnight.